Gary Wilmot delighted Death in Paradise fans with his return as journalist Anton Busette
Popular drama Death in Paradise has confirmed the comeback of one cast member, much to the delight of viewers.
The 15th series of the enduring detective programme is presently broadcasting on BBC One, with DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his colleagues investigating more puzzling deaths in Saint Marie.
After following Mervin, Naomi (portrayed by Shantol Jackson) and Selwyn’s (Don Warrington) escapades in Antigua, the penultimate instalment returned to Saint Marie, with the protagonist attempting to process his abduction and the truth about his brother.
Mervin swiftly resumed his duties following the death of the local newspaper’s agony aunt, Hortense LeRoux (Anna Savva). At the beginning of the episode, the Commissioner and Mayor Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine) were shown attending Hortense’s retirement celebration. Regrettably, the festivities concluded in disaster, as Hortense was poisoned the following morning, whilst reading her final advice column, reports the Express.
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Audiences also recognised a familiar figure at the celebration, with journalist Anton Busette (Gary Wilmot) prominently present. This isn’t the first time that Anton has featured in the programme.
Viewers will remember that he generated 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) episode, as he was the former spouse of the murdered agony aunt.
Offering her assessment of 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 reprise 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 admirer 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 go undercover 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 child, 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 subsequently revealed that Hortense relocated to Saint Marie and falsified Esme’s birth certificate to present her as her own child. 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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