Don

Happy Valley star Siobhan Finneran has discussed her relationship with Death in Paradise actor Don Gilet, explaining their decision to maintain separate homes in different cities

Happy Valley star Siobhan Finneran, 59, has offered a rare glimpse into her relationship with Death in Paradise actor Don Gilet, 58, revealing why the pair have chosen to maintain separate households.

The duo initially crossed paths whilst working together on ITV’s crime drama The Loch, where Siobhan played DCI Lauren Quigley and Don took on the role of forensic psychologist Blake Albrighton.

Around a year afterwards, in 2018, their professional connection developed into something more romantic. Yet Siobhan calls Saddleworth home, whilst her other half, Don, is based in north London.

Despite the geographical gap between them, Siobhan insists she and the DI Mervin Wilson actor manage perfectly well, noting that Don spends most of his time abroad anyway, filming Death in Paradise in Guadeloupe.

Speaking to The Times, she said: “That’s just the way it is, isn’t it? That’s how it’s always been. And he’s out of the country for seven months a year doing Death in Paradise anyway.”

Siobhan also disclosed that she’s made the journey to the French Caribbean island, which she calls an “amazing place”, to see Don whilst he’s working.

The Protection actress was swift to reject any notion that they’re a “power couple”, confessing they can be “hopeless” when attempting to organise themselves, joking: “I’ve not heard that one before.”

She continued: “We are both off the telly. Other than that we’re pretty normal. You wouldn’t think we were a power couple this morning, both running around trying to get out of the house on time. Hopeless.”

After months of rumours, Siobhan first hinted at her romance with Don when she lovingly called the actor “my fella” during a chat with The Guardian.

Before this revelation, the couple had been photographed holding hands at various showbiz gatherings prior to making their relationship official.

Don is set to return to television screens as DI Mervin Wilson for the Death in Paradise Christmas Special.

He will be joined by guest stars Josie Lawrence, Kate Ashfield, Pearl Mackie and James Baxter for the festive episode.

The Death in Paradise Christmas Special airs on Sunday 28th December at 8.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website.

Death in Paradise star Don Warrington has been happily married to actress Mary Maddocks for many years with the couple sharing two children together

Death in Paradise is set to grace our television screens once more with a Christmas Special in just a few days, promising “even more heart” according to the BBC.

The beloved Death in Paradise Christmas cast makes their way back to Saint Marie for another year of holiday celebrations, though what begins as the ultimate office party quickly descends into darkness.

Broadcasting on December 28 at 8.30pm on BBC One, the BBC reveals: “The office Christmas party of a lifetime takes a dark turn when four co-workers wake up with the hangover from hell to find a stranger shot dead in the pool of their villa.

“DI Mervin Wilson and the team identify the murder weapon, but they’re left baffled after discovering that it was locked in a drawer when the shooting took place… thousands of miles away from the crime scene.”

Running for approximately 90 minutes, the festive episode promises the return of beloved characters, reports the Express.

Earlier this year, the 14th series concluded, leaving fans anxious about Don Warrington’s character Commissioner Selwyn Patterson.

After 14 years on the programme, the actor became a viewer favourite, making his departure in March all the more heartbreaking for audiences.

During the final series of Death in Paradise, Selwyn decided to leave Saint Marie following the loss of his Commissioner role, turning down the opportunity to reclaim his position when it was offered back to him.

Nevertheless, fans must wait patiently to see whether the Commissioner will make his comeback… particularly given his recent appearance in the Christmas special of Beyond Paradise. But who exactly is Don Warrington and what’s his marital status?

Don Warrington is happily married and has been for quite some time. The Death in Paradise actor is currently married to Mary Maddocks, with the couple enjoying many years of marital bliss.

Don prefers to keep his personal life private and away from the public eye, with their exact wedding date remaining a mystery, but it’s clear that his family life continues to thrive away from the limelight.

His wife Mary has herself graced several iconic productions including ITV’s Coronation Street as well as Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders.

She has also directed numerous theatrical productions ranging from musicals to dramas, and even took centre stage in the hit musical The Rocky Horror Show.

Don and Mary are parents to two children, Jacob and Archie, both carving out their own paths in the entertainment industry.

As a playwright and comedian, Archie has contributed to the creation of the 2023 thriller Gassed Up as well as the TV series Intergalactic, receiving full backing from his parents.

It was previously reported that Archie paid tribute to his parents, stating: “Both my parents are actors. My mum, Mary Maddocks, is an actress: she was in The Rocky Horror Show when it was in the West End and my dad is Don Warrington.

“The main thing I get from both of them is they understand the art of performance and the need to perform.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website

Death in Paradise Christmas special will air December 28 on BBC One.