Death in Paradise's special festive episode is part of the Christmas furniture on BBC One, and 2024 is no different - although there's a brand new face leading the cast this year.

Actor Don Gilet arrives in Saint Marie as Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson for the first time this Christmas in a special feature-length episode (Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 8.30pm).

The former Sherwood and EastEnders actor will be replacing Ralf Little, who left the show in March 2024 after four years.

So who will be joining newcomer Don in the cast of the Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024? Well, there are some pretty cool names from the land of soap, drama, and comedy... Here's everything you need to know.

Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 cast: Don Gilet plays DI Mervin Wilson

The Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 sees actor Don Gilet make his debut as Mervin Wilson, Saint Marie's latest Detective Inspector.

DI Wilson arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from the UK but, while he's assisting with the case of a "Santa serial killer", the team learn that he may have an ulterior motive for being there... He's also (cough, cough) rather condescending, grumpy, and approaches the case with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

Don will be the show's fifth leading man, following in the sandy footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O'Hanlon (who recently popped up in spin-off Return to Paradise), and Ralf Little.

Of course, Walsall-born Don is probably best known for playing EastEnders serial killer Lucas Johnson, a role he played on and off from 2008 to 2024.

He also played the much nicer - and seriously flirty - Jesse Law in medical drama Holby City between 2014 and 2016.

Don, 57, is also famous for Johnny Lindo in Babyfather, DS Nicky Cole in 55 Degrees North, Freddie in Cape Wrath, and DC Jeff Branson in The Doll Maker.

More recently, he played copper Jacob Harris in Sherwood, and hitman John Howell in Shetland.

Don said on joining Death in Paradise: "I can't wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team and what secrets may unfold."

Don Warrington stars as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson

There may be a new leading man in charge, but there are still plenty of familiar faces in the Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024.

Show favourite Don Warrington will be back as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. Don, probably best known for his role in Rising Damp back in the 70s, has been a part of the show since its first series back in 2011.

Trinidad-born Don, 72, has been on our screens since 1974, when he first appeared as Philip in the cast of Leonard Rossiter comedy Rising Damp. Like Fawlty Towers, the sitcom still remains a classic to this day.

Don went on to appear in popular TV series such as Crown Court, Triangle, C.A.T.S. Eyes, and The Mysteries - where he played Angel Gabriel. In 1997, he popped up as Mr Phillips in several episodes of Grange Gill.

Other notable roles include Chairman in Believe Nothing, Patrick in Manchild, Ethan Hope in Holby City, Trevor in Casualty, Bailey in The Crouches, and Judge Ken Winyard in New Street Law.

Since 2020, he's portrayed Grandpa in the partly-animated children's show The World According to Grandpa. He's also been in a multitude of films, including Hamlet, The Glass Man, and Camping.

Shantol Jackson stars as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas

Jamaican actress Shantol Jackson, 32, will also be returning as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas. She's been on the show since series 11 in 2022.

She's been on UK screens since 2016, when she first appeared as the lead star in the short film Sugar. Shantol went on to play Yvonne in the 2018 film Yardie opposite Stephen Graham.

That same year, she portrayed Kerry Hall in the film Sprinter. Shantol subsequently played Nanny in the TV movie Pitch Pilot.

The actress has also popped up in one episode of Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise. This was the final episode of series 1, when DI Humphrey Goodman returned to Saint Marie in a special crossover episode.

Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 cast: Ginny Holder plays Darlene Curtis

Also coming back is Ginny Holder, who plays Darlene Curtis. Ginny first joined the series back in series 7 in 2018, before returning on a more full-time basis in series 11.

Before landing the life-changing role of Darlene in Death in Paradise, Ginny was probably best known for playing Rosa Marshall in the Channel 5 Family Affairs, and Thandie Abebe-Griffin in Holby City.

Other notable roles include Sue Nbokei in Crocodile Shoes, Charmian in The Knock, Faela in The Protectors, Ayesha Zakari in MotherFatherSon, and Cris Clark in Avenue 5.

More recently, she's portrayed DI Nadia Latif in the brilliant drama series The Capture, opposite Strike star Holliday Grainger.

Élizabeth Bourgine is back as Catherine Bordey

Élizabeth Bourgine will also be back in the cast of the Death in Paradise Christmas Special and subsequent series 14. The French actress, 67, plays Catherine Bordey, a role she has played since the first series 13 years ago.

Originally a dancer and model, Élizabeth has been in multiple TV and film roles over her 50-year career. Although mostly French-speaking, she did appear in the 1984 UK series The Sun Also Rises, opposite British actress Jane Seymour. The series was set in post-WWI Paris.

She's also starred opposite Joan Collins in the TV mini-series Sins. In 2022, Élizabeth played Irène in the French film Maigret, in which Gérard Depardieu played the titular Commissioner. Like some of her fellow Death in Paradise co-stars, Élizabeth also appeared in the Beyond Paradise crossover in 2023.

Officer Dwayne Myers is played by Danny John-Jules

London-born Danny John-Jules, 64, is also returning in his role as Officer Dwayne Myers in the Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024. He initially appeared in the first seven seasons, before taking a break. He returned in 2024's series 13.

Of course, Danny is probably best known for playing Cat in sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf - a role he's played on and off ever since 1988.

He's been on our screens since 1975, when he first appeared in a short film called Seven Green Bottles. But he was catapulted to fame thanks to his role as the funky Cat, a descendant of Dave Lister's pregnant pet house cat Frankenstein.

He's also known for portraying Barrington in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, Byron Lucifer in The Tomorrow People, Milton Wordsworth in The Story Makers, and Ed in The Crouches (where he co-starred with Death in Paradise's Don Warrington).

Other notable roles include Lenny Bicknall in M.I.High, and Paul Human in The Kemps: All Gold. Danny has also voiced Curtis in Bob the Builder, and the Elf in Arthur Christmas, among others.

His film roles have included Maurice in Creation Stories, Wyclef in Voodoo Magic, and Asad in Blade II.

Strictly fans will also know that he took part in the 2018 series of the dancing show. However, his stint was dogged with controversy.

Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 cast: Ram John Holder returns as Nelson Myers

Guyanese-British actor and musician Ram John Holder returns to play Dwayne's dad Nelson Myers. Can you believe he's 90 years old in real life!?

The character of Nelson, hasn't appeared in the series since 2018, when Dwayne left to go travelling. In total, Nelson has appeared in four episodes of Death in Paradise in 2017 and 2018.

When returning to Saint Marie in series 13, Dwayne revealed his dad wasn't well. We predict heartbreak ahead.

Ram John Holder - no relation to Ginny - first appeared on TV in 1966 and worked as a jobbing actor for decades. He is perhaps most famous for portraying Augustus 'Porkpie' Grant in the Channel 4 sitcom Desmond's, and its spin-off series Porkpie.

Other notable roles include Wilson in Down to Earth, Uncle Phil in White Van Man, and The Oldest Man in the World in Rocket's Island.

More recently, he portrayed Sarge Bailey in Coronation Street. His film roles have included Your Christmas or Mine? and its subsequent sequel, and City of Tiny Lights.

Marcus Brigstocke stars as Stuart Fullwell

Comedian and actor Marcus Brigstocke, 51, guest stars as Stuart Fullwell in the Christmas special of Death in Paradise 2024.

The character Stuart is a holiday maker who performs karaoke dressed as Santa... However, poor Stu doesn't last long as he is found shot dead on the beach (might have been THAT singing).

Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Marcus said: "Obviously I was thrilled because I know that Death in Paradise have been looking for the new detective so when the call came I instantly called Rachel my wife and said I'm pretty sure we are going to be moving to Guadalupe for six months out of the year."

Marcus added: "It was quickly made clear to me that I was going to be killed off but I was still over the moon."

Marcus became known as a stand-up comedian, but has worked in television, radio and musical theatre. On radio, he's probably best known for The Now Show, and Giles Wemmbley-Hogg Goes Off (which spawned a TV movie).

On TV, Guildford-born Marcus is perhaps most famous for appearing in sketch shows, including Barking, and Sorry, I've Got No Head. He's also portrayed Adam in The Savages, David Oxley, B.A. (Hons) in We Are History, and King Stupid in Stupid. In 2022, Marcus popped up as a doctor in The Crown.

His film roles include DJ Interviewer Mikey in Love Actually, Eliza's dad Robert in Blinded by the Light, and Bill in Magic Mike's Last Dance.

Jim Howick portrays Jamie Barton

Comedian, writer, and actor Jim Howick joins the cast of the Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024. He portrays Jamie Barton, whose young son Ollie sees the gruesome dead body on the beach.

Chichester-born Jim, 45, is probably best known for his work with Them There, the creative collective behind Horrible Histories, Yonderland, and Ghosts.

Between 2009 and 2015, Jim played various characters in Horrible Histories, including Napoleon. In 2013, he and the HH team embarked on Yonderland, which came to an end in 2016. Ghosts came next, in which Jim played former scout leader Pat Butcher.

A man of many talents (but mostly making people laugh), Jim is also famous for playing Thundermonkey in No Heroics, Anthony in Reggie Perrin opposite Out There actor Martin Clunes, Gerard Matthew in Peep Show, and Josh in Loaded.

He's also flexed his comedic muscles in sketch shows, including The Kevin Bishop Show, and The Armstrong and Miller Show. He can go straight, too, having played Harry in 3 Body Problem, and DS Parks in Hollington Parks.

More recently, Jim appears in the continuing sitcom Here We Go, playing dad Paul Jessop. There's a Christmas special coming soon. Jim's film roles have included Cpl. Matlin in 2004's Hellboy.

Steven Hartley plays Tony Hurst

Actor Steven Hartley guest stars as Tony 'Santa' Hurst in the cast of the Death in Paradise Christmas Special. After Stuart Fullwell is found dead, Mervin is "thrown in at the deep end following the report of a second Santa shooting", this time that of celebrity songwriter Tony Hurst.

Like new permanent cast member Don Gilet, Steven Hartley is a former EastEnders villain. In fact, he was the OG soap villain Matthew Jackson between 1988 and 1989. He was the abusive husband of health visitor Carmel Roberts, played by Judith Jacob.

Yorkshire-born Steven also appeared in the glory years of The Bill. Between 2000 and 2002, he appeared as Tom Chandler, who was romantically involved with DS Debbie McAllister. However, Tom was killed off in a major storyline that spanned the majority of his last series.

Steven went on to play Igor in US sitcom Married with Children, Alan Enstone in Rumble, and Marcus Denby in Holby City. From 2004 to 2005, he portrayed Dr. Jack Ford in BBC medical soap Doctors. Since then, he's popped up in multiple TV series and films.

Most recently, he’s starred as Anton Reichmann in Cockney and Scouse, John Monkham in All Creatures Great and Small, Russell Hardwick in Brassic, and Bill Began in Call the Midwife.

Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 cast list: Michael Salami stars as Tyrus Demille

Actor Michael Salami guest stars as Tyrus 'the tea leaf' Demille in the festive episode on BBC One and iPlayer. Tyrus is another Santa in Saint Marie. He claims he was shot at in the woods by a shady figure, but managed to make a lucky escape...

On learning each Santa was incredulously shot with the exact same gun at the exact same time, the team must link three seemingly unconnected victims and try to solve the case.

Michael is probably best known for playing Shane Sweeney in Channel 4 and E4 soap Hollyoaks, a role he played between 2017 and 2018.

He's also known for portraying Mark in Just a Couple, David in Temple, and more recently, Gabriel in the Netflix drama Supacell.

His film roles have included Fred Haise in Apollo 13: The Dark Side of the Moon, and Milo in St Milligans Wharf. In 2023, he starred in the acclaimed Sumotherhood.

Angela Griffin is Tabitha Reed

Former soap star and popular TV actress Angela Griffin joins the guest cast as Tabitha Reed in the Death in Paradise Christmas Special.

The character of Tabitha is Jamie's fiancée, and one of a number of hotel guests who are questioned regarding the murders.

Leeds-born Angela, 48, is probably best known for playing Fiona Middleton in ITV soap Coronation Street. She played the character from 1992 to 1998, before returning briefly in 2019.

Angela is also known for portraying Kim Campbell in the BBC One school drama Waterloo Road, a role she's played on-and-off since the first series in 2006.

Other big roles for the actress included Jasmine Hopkins in Holby City, Darcey Henshall in Cutting It, Shelley in Mount Pleasant, and DS Lizzie Maddox in Lewis.

She's also known for playing Chantelle in Babyfather, where she first worked alongside Death in Paradise co-star Don Gilet. Angela went on to portray Frankie Brewer in Down to Earth, Jenna in Ordinary Lies, Detective Stevie Hall in The Detail, and Elizabeth Harvey in Harlots.

More recently, Angela has starred as Trudi Lowe in Crime, Melinda in Suspect opposite Rivals actor Aidan Turner, DI Aline in The Serial Killer's Wife, and Natasha Morgan in The Wives.

Karla Hammond is portrayed by Elizabeth Carling

Actress Elizabeth Carling guest stars as Karla Hammond in the festive episode. Karla is another hotel guest who is questioned in connections to the murders.

Yorkshire-born Elizabeth 57, is probably best known for playing Selena Donovan in the cast of Casualty, a role she played from 2003 to 2007.

She's been on our screens for more than three decades, after she first appeared as Liz in the film Out of Order. That was 1987, when she was 20 years old.

Elizabeth - also sometimes known as Liz - went on to play Laura Marsh in Boon between 1989 and 1991. She subsequently went on to play Wendy in Crocodile Shoes, Charlotte in Border Cafe, and Linda Pond in Barbara.

Other notable roles include Phoebe in Goodnight Sweetheart, and - more recently - Betty Scanlon in Hotel Portofino.

Dex Lee stars as Kenny Simmons

Actor Dex Lee guest stars as Kenny Simmons, a hotel worker who is questioned over the murders.

Edmonton-born Dex, 31, is best known for playing Bear Sylvester in the medical soap Doctors. It was his first TV role in 2019, and he remains on the show to this day.

Dex also appeared on a celeb version on Bargain Hunt in 2024.

Before he was cast in Doctors, he appeared in numerous professional stage productions and worked part-time as a dance teacher.

Death in Paradise Christmas Special full cast list:

Don Gilet portrays DI Mervin Wilson.

Don Warrington stars as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson.

Shantol Jackson plays DS Naomi Thomas.

Danny John-Jules is Officer Dwayne Myers.

Élizabeth Bourgine plays Catherine Bordey.

Ginny Holder stars as Officer Darlene Curtis.

Ram John Holder returns as Nelson Myers.

Marcus Brigstocke guest stars as Stuart Fullwell.

Jim Howick portrays Jamie Barton.

Charles Stagg plays Ollie Barton.

Steven Hartley plays Tony Hurst.

Michael Salami stars as Tyrus Demille.

Angela Griffin is Tabitha Reed.

Elizabeth Carling guest stars as Karla Hammond.

Dex Lee stars as Kenny Simmons.

Joy Richardson plays Brianna Clemetson.

The Death in Paradise Christmas Special will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Sunday 22 December at 8.30pm.