Death in Paradise fans say same thing as Gary Wilmot returns to BBC drama

Gary Wilmot reprised his role as journalist Anton Busette in the latest episode of Death in Paradise

Popular series Death in Paradise has announced the return of a familiar face, much to viewers’ delight.

The 15th series of the enduring detective drama is currently broadcasting on BBC One, with DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his colleagues solving more puzzling deaths on Saint Marie.

After following Mervin, Naomi (portrayed by Shantol Jackson) and Selwyn’s (Don Warrington) escapades in Antigua, the penultimate episode shifted back to Saint Marie, with the protagonist grappling with his abduction and revelations about his brother.

Mervin swiftly resumed his duties following the murder of the island newspaper’s agony aunt, Hortense LeRoux (Anna Savva). At the start of the episode, the Commissioner and Mayor Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine) attended Hortense’s leaving celebration. Tragically, the occasion ended in disaster when Hortense was poisoned the next day, whilst reading her final advice column, reports the Express.

Audiences also recognised a returning character at the gathering, with journalist Anton Busette (Gary Wilmot) making a notable appearance. This marks Anton’s second stint on the programme.

Fans will recall that he created considerable controversy earlier in the series through his attempts to undermine the police force and damage the Commissioner’s reputation. The character swiftly emerged as a suspect during Friday’s (March 13) instalment, given he was the former spouse of the murdered agony aunt.

Expressing her views on Anton, Mayor Bordey remarked: “Men like him [are] hungry lions, looking at you like you’re a tasty steak at a buffet.”

Despite his character’s shortcomings, Death in Paradise enthusiasts were thrilled to witness British legend Gary Wilmot reprising his role, with numerous viewers expressing their delight on social media. “Ooh! Gary Wilmot back on #DeathinParadise!” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter), whilst another contributed a string of celebratory emojis.

A third commented: “Keep thinking about how my dad has played football with Gary Wilmot and seeing him as Anton is so weird,” whilst another fan voiced apprehension about Gary’s character, stating: “I’m sensing bad vibes from Gary Wilmot’s character.”

Later in the episode, Mervin and Naomi persuaded Mayor Bordey to operate covertly and extract information from Anton, with the journalist promptly divulging some of his secrets.

Disclosing that Hortense’s daughter, Esme (Emma McDonald), wasn’t her biological offspring, Anton revealed: “She took her from Paris when she was a baby. Her mother wasn’t able to take care of her, a drug addict I believe… Hortense couldn’t have children.”

Anton went on to reveal that Hortense relocated to Saint Marie and falsified Esme’s birth certificate to make it appear as though she was her biological daughter. However, the atmosphere quickly changed when Anton discovered he was being recorded, with the journalist cautioning Mervin: “This won’t be the last you hear of me, I’ll be calling your Commissioner.” Was Anton responsible for his ex-wife’s death?

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

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