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Sally Struthers criticizes 'All in the Family' creator Norman Lear, disclosing that she invested $40,000 in her attempts to exit the series.

2025-03-31 08:42:05 By Michael Miller

Sally Struthers rips 'All in the Family' creator Norman Lear, reveals she spent $40K trying to leave show — On the 'Let's Talk About That!' podcast, Sally Struthers disclosed that her relationship with Norman Lear was not a positive one (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic, Getty Images).

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sally Struthers got candid about her experience working on the 1970s hit sitcom 'All in the Family' during a recent appearance on the 'Let's Talk About That!' podcast.

The veteran actress revealed to hosts Larry Saperstein and Jacob Bellotti that she did not share a good relationship with the show's creator, Norman Lear, as per People.

Sally Struthers confesses that she 'wasn't particularly fond of' Norman Lear.

Norman Lear passed away in December 2023 at the age of 101. During a podcast episode, Sally Struthers mentioned that with his passing, she feels free to express that she "wasn't particularly fond of him."

The 77-year-old explained, "All those years on the show, Norman and his wife would have dinner parties," which included other stars of the show but she "wasn't, in eight years, invited to his home."

Sally Struthers arrives at Lifetime's — Sally Struthers makes an appearance at the premiere of Lifetime's 'Christmas Harmony' on November 7, 2018, held at the Harmony Gold Theater in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images).

"It wasn't a pleasant experience," Struthers, known for her role as Gloria Stivic, the daughter of Archie and Edith Bunker on the iconic series, shared.

Norman Lear informed Sally Struthers that he chose her for her 'bright blue eyes and round face.'

The actress from 'Gilmore Girls' recounted a negative interaction she experienced with the late film producer.

She noted that when she inquired of Lear whether he selected her for the role of Gloria because she was "truly the funniest," the screenwriter just responded with a straightforward, "No."

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: Writer and producer Norman Lear visits The IMDb Show?s ?Lounging With L — On April 2, 2018, Norman Lear made an appearance on the IMDb Show 'Lounging With Legends' in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb).

Lear further told her, as per Fox News, "We thought Archie was a lot to swallow for the American audiences with his bigotry and his social slurs. So, we thought we could soften him up if he had a soft spot in his heart for his daughter, and she could be daddy's little girl. So, we hired you because, just like Carroll O'Connor, you have blue eyes and a fat face."

Later in the episode, Struthers revealed that she referred to herself as the "fourth banana" on the television show that aired on CBS for nine seasons from 1971 to 1979.

"I typically had around three lines for each episode that included, ‘I'll assist you with the table, Mom,’ ‘Michael, where are you headed?’ and ‘Oh, Dad, cut it out.’ Then the following week, I'd find those same three lines rearranged," she remarked.

Sally Struthers takes the stage at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 2024. (Photo credit: Monica Schipper/WireImage)

Sally Struthers was unable to exit the show despite having invested $40,000.

After completing five seasons, Sally Struthers felt it was time to move on and chose to leave the show. She even enlisted the help of a lawyer and incurred $40,000 in legal expenses, but ultimately was unable to prevail in her case.

"I returned for three additional seasons, and those turned out to be the most enjoyable for me. They finally had Mike and Gloria welcome a baby, and we even moved next door into the house where the Jeffersons lived," the actress remarked.

Struthers featured in 182 episodes of 'All in the Family' and made appearances in its spinoff, 'Archie Bunker's Place'. Additionally, she starred in her own spinoff titled 'Gloria', which lasted for one season.

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Deborah Finck, known for her appearances on TikTok and Nanny 911, has passed away at the age of 57 following a courageous fight against a rare form of cancer.

On January 14, Deborah Finck's family shared the news of her passing after a courageous five-year fight against leiomyosarcoma, an uncommon form of soft tissue cancer. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Kate Middleton Reveals Her Cancer is in Remission Following Hospital Visit with Patients One of the kindest spirits on TikTok has left us. Deborah Finck, who appeared in season one of Nanny 911, died Jan. 14 after a years-long battle with leiomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. She was 57. “Today, my heart is shattered as I share the news that my beloved wife, Deborah, has passed away,” her husband Paul Finck wrote in a Jan. 14 Instagram post. “After a brave and relentless five-year battle with cancer, she left this world peacefully, surrounded by love.” “Deborah was my partner in every way imaginable—my confidante, my support system, the love of my existence, and my everlasting soulmate,” he went on. “Together, we created a life brimming with love, joy, and countless moments that I will hold dear for all time.” The TikToker, who candidly shared her health journey on social media, is survived by her loving husband as well as three sets of twins—Amanda and Alexandra, Stephen and Katerina, and David and Daniel.    "Paul shared, 'She dedicated herself completely to nurturing [our six children], embedding in them her principles of compassion, honesty, and strength. She was their most passionate supporter, their beacon of hope, and an unending fountain of love. The influence she had on their lives is beyond measure, and her legacy will continue to thrive through them.'" The immense love that Deborah had for her children was clearly reflected in the heartfelt tribute her daughter Katerina shared on social media in honor of her late mother. “To my mommy, my best friend, my sunshine,” Katerina wrote on Instagram Jan. 14, alongside an old photo of the two, “thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You were the most beautiful mother and the best mommy anyone could ever ask for.” "You instilled in me the values of strength, courage, and bravery, and showed me the essence of genuine love and perseverance," she said, her voice steady. "You had faith in me, supported me through thick and thin, and exemplified what it means to love unconditionally. Your memory will forever live on; nothing can take your place. You were the light in my life, and whenever I come across a sunflower, I will feel your presence beside me." Although Deborah will continue to be remembered through her children, she devoted her final two months to creating TikTok videos for each of them, aiming to share her wonderful family with the world. In these emotional clips, she expressed her love and pride for her kids, leaving them poignant farewell messages to cherish in the future.   “Saying goodbye to your children is very hard,” she captioned her Dec. 28 TikTok dedicated to her youngest sons David and Daniel. “You never know when the last day is. I love u boys, always & forever.”

Michelle and Barack Obama's Unusual Actions Spark Divorce Speculation

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Through the many ebbs and flows of the political world, one union seems constant. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have long seemed like a couple with a bond that's built to last. While their marriage certainly changed since they left the White House in 2017, to the outside world, they have appeared to adapt and grow with each other. These days, though, there are increasing signs that Barack and Michelle's marriage isn't what it seems. And their recent behavior has some folks wondering if they're headed for divorce. Former President Jimmy Carter's funeral on January 9 was packed to the brim with political power players, with President-elect Donald Trump and Barack even seeming to get along. Yet, Michelle was absent, reportedly because of a "scheduling conflict," per the Daily Mail. Barack attending one high-profile event on his own doesn't mean a divorce is coming. Yet, it will apparently be followed up with another. On January 14, just days ahead of Trump's inauguration, the Office of Barack and Michelle shared a statement with The Associated Press, saying, "Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration." This move may simply prove that Michelle isn't changing her mind about Trump and doesn't want to support his new presidency. Yet, the Obamas know better than most people just how important it is to appear as a united front and what this choice may say. Michelle Obama's recent absences have sparked a flurry of speculation about potential divorce. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Since the announcement that Michelle Obama will be skipping yet another important event, the internet rumor mill has been hypothesizing about what's really behind her absences. "Bruh they saying Obama and Michelle getting a divorce..." one user wrote on X, formerly Twitter. While many folks online seemed shocked, other assertions about what may be going on behind the scenes, unsurprisingly, seemed to be separated along party lines. One X user presented a different explanation about what may be behind Michelle's surprising choices, writing, "I don't know anything about their marriage, but it's very clear to me that Michelle Obama is making a very specific *political* statement with these absences. She would never choose Jimmy Carter's funeral to announce her divorce. Let's be sensible here." Another user blamed Michelle for her absences, saying, "Makes their marriage look bad. What's her problem?" What's really prompting Michelle's absence from the public eye remains to be seen. It is worth noting, however, that former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are set to attend the inauguration on January 20 alongside former First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.

Angelina Jolie Revives the Iconic Shoe Trend with $850 Saint Laurent Ballet Flats and a Stylish Camel Coat

Wearing her beloved outfit once more. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Getty Images) The tale of a girl and her best ballet flats is a love story for the ages. The classic shoe style has remained the hardest-working item in everyone's closet for millenniums—going all the way back to the Renaissance period. Today, this simple footwear style tops the list as fashion's most functional, beloved by everyone from A-listers to soccer moms. Angelina Jolie—one of the A-est listers there is—has one specific pair that's near and dear to her heart (and always on her feet). She's been wearing the same pair of Saint Laurent Mami Flats for years—undoubtedly getting her money's worth of the $850 shoe. The Saint Laurent flats being discussed are a plain ballet design, lacking any distinctive features except for their luxurious velvet exterior. These elegant shoes are incredibly versatile and can complement nearly any outfit. Nonetheless, Jolie has a go-to ensemble that she consistently gravitates towards. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Angelina Jolie pairs Saint Laurent's Mami Flats with a timeless camel overcoat. On Jan. 14, the Maria actor debuted yet another take on her go-to 'fit—starring her favorite YSL shoes. She wore a black midi dress layered under a double-breasted camel top coat. Her final touch was a pair of cat-eye sunglasses, which gave her look a feeling of old world elegance. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This ensemble has become something of a calling card for Jolie, who's worn endless variations over the years. At the 2024 Torino Film Festival, for example, she styled the same Saint Laurent ballet flats with black separates and a similar coat. Throughout the rest of her Maria press tour, the actor continued this formula by wearing several khaki trench coats styled with all-black looks underneath. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Jolie graces the 42nd Torino Film Festival in stylish Saint Laurent flats paired with a chic tan car coat. According to her, investing in a camel coat and classic black ballet flats are two choices you'll always be pleased with. Explore Ballet Flats and Coats Influenced by Angelina Jolie's Style View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Free People Essential Trench Coat View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Manière De Voir Asymmetrical Tailored Trench Coat with Tacked Sleeves - Beige View pictures in App save up to 80% data. By Far Yasha Flat Black Crinkled Leather View pictures in App save up to 80% data. L'Academie par Marianna Ayisa Manteau Trench View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina Flats

The Reason Royals Avoid Wearing Hats in the Evening

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. No article of clothing has become quite as synonymous with the royal family in recent years as stylish headwear. Since the 1950s, ostentatious hats have been something of a staple in the British monarchy's wardrobe, particularly among the women, who have sported all manner of eye-catching head coverings from large showstoppers to more functional pieces, like those worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Given the popularity of this cranial accoutrement, you'd be forgiven for not noticing that the royals are seldom ever caught wearing their hats after dark.  Speaking with Reader's Digest, etiquette coach Laura Windsor explained that the royal family adheres to a strict dress code that states hats cannot be worn after 6 p.m. According to Diana Mather of The English Manner etiquette consultancy, the reason for this specific time is simple, as she told BBC: "[6 p.m.] is when the ladies changed into evening dress, and tiaras and the family jewels would come out." Grant Harrold, former butler to King Charles III, added that wearing tiaras instead of hats also showed a woman's societal standing and relationship status, as only married women wore tiaras. "For the gentleman, it was a clear sign not to make advances toward the lady in question," he said. While tiaras are now rarely seen, typically reserved for white-tie occasions and formal responsibilities, the tradition of wearing hats continues to be an integral part of the royal dress code. This is not the sole guideline regarding hats in the dress code. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The guidelines for headwear in the royal dress code extend beyond just the appropriate times for donning a hat. As noted by Laura Windsor, there are specific rules regarding the type of hat that members of the royal family may wear, which vary by season and event. During the spring and summer months, straw hats are encouraged, while felt hats are more suitable for the fall and winter seasons. For occasions such as weddings and funerals, it is recommended that hats have shorter brims to prevent obstructing the view of other attendees. Additionally, there are strict protocols on how royals should wear their hats; proper etiquette dictates that hats should be pinned securely to the head, and they should not be held in hand unless the situation specifically requires it. The royal dress code also has guidelines regarding which hats are to be worn depending on the style of the outfit. Speaking with Woman & Home (via Bustle), etiquette expert Lisa Forde explained that "if an A-Line skirt is selected, it is important to ensure that the hat's brim width balances out the volume of the skirt. If the outfit is very tailored, a more simple hat will be selected."  Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams explained that the fundamental rule of the royal dress code is to ensure that members of the royal family are always attired appropriately for any given event. Although the stringent regulations surrounding headwear might appear unreasonable to outsiders, they play a crucial role in maintaining this principle.

Sheinelle Jones, the co-host of '3rd Hour of Today,' has opened up about her recent absence from the show and the reasons behind it.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 01: Sheinelle Jones was present at The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert 2023, held on February 01, 2023, in New York City. (Image credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for The American Heart Association) Sheinelle Jones, a well-known co-host of “3rd Hour of Today,” took to Instagram to share a message and provide an update regarding her nearly month-long hiatus from the show.  Jones, who has been a part of the “Today” family since 2014, shared that she has been away dealing with a “family health matter,” though she wasn’t specific about what that is.  "Hello everyone… I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have contacted me during my time away from the show. I’d like to let you know that I’m currently taking some time to address a family health issue," she said.  “It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my Today show family, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon” Naturally, fans have been speculating about her absence, especially since she was missing from the farewell event for Hoda Kotb on January 10. “Where in the world is Sheinelle Jones?” one X user wrote, echoing the sentiments of many. Some folks thought she’d been fired, but many were mostly just concerned. However, her co-hosts have shown their support and love for Jones. Hosts Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie shared some words for Jones during a “Today” live broadcast:  "Sheinelle, we adore you and can’t wait to have you back with us," Melvin expressed. Guthrie added, "We'll be seeing you shortly."  Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheinelle Jones and her family during this difficult period.  View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Margaret Qualley Shares How the Prosthetics Affected Her Appearance

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Variety / Getty Images Let's have a big round of applause for Margaret Qualley, who has just qualified for membership into the League of Actors Who Made Extreme, Lasting Physical Changes for a Role. Usually, these actors are men who've either gained a ton of weight to play a superhero or men who've lost a ton of weight to play the lead in an Oscar-bait film. But what about Qualley, who sacrificed her skin for a year for The Substance? Qualley went on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in January, and confessed that the prosthetics she wore in The Substance messed up her skin so bad that by the end of filming they had to find ways to avoid shooting her face. “Like, at the end, when they're shooting up my skirt in the beginning credits, and it's like the palm trees all around and they have all these long lenses from the bottom, that's just because my face was so fucked up by that time that they couldn't, like, shoot my face anymore,” Qualley said. This wasn't a problem that stopped as soon as The Substance wrapped, either. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Courtesy of the Everett Collection Margaret Qualley said she had acne that persisted for about a year, including when she began filming for her next project, Kinds of Kindness, in which Qualley plays four characters. "Do you remember the character with all the acne? That was actually my acne created by the prosthetics," she explained. "I thought, 'This works out great. I'm portraying various characters—so for one, we'll incorporate my wild prosthetic acne.' It took me nearly a year to fully heal from the whole experience." An actor messing up her face for a movie about impossible beauty standards in Hollywood? And then using that acne for character development in another movie? That is method acting on a plane that male actors haven't even dreamed of. Brava.

Princess Kate's recent fashion choice has left royal enthusiasts baffled by an unexpected style clash.

The Princess of Wales made a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she announced that she is now in remission. Princess Kate's recent fashion choice has puzzled royal enthusiasts, leading to a mix-up in her style. On Tuesday, the 43-year-old Princess of Wales delighted royal fans by making a visit to the hospital where she received preventative chemotherapy last year. Kate dazzled in a stunning burgundy jumper priced at £710 from Gabriela Hearst, complemented by a £595 skirt from Edeline Lee. Nevertheless, it was the royal's plaid coat that left fans puzzled on social media. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Princess Kate's recent fashion choice has left royal enthusiasts puzzled due to a surprising style clash. GB News immediately identified the Princess of Wales's coat as being from Blazé Milano. The item was featured on the brand's website under the name "Blazé Milano Anyway Checked Wool Blazer," but sadly, it is currently out of stock. Nevertheless, Kate's outerwear was a full-length piece, seeming significantly longer than the blazer offered by Blazé Milano. It remains unclear whether this piece was custom-made for the Princess of Wales or if it originates from an earlier collection. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Princess Kate's checked coat by Blaze Milano features a stunning floor-length silhouette. The royal fan account @Remisagoodboy, known for highlighting Royal Family fashion on social media, shared: "This seems to be a coat adaptation of her Blaze Milano Blazer." Another user commented: "The length of the coat/blazer has not been publicly displayed before." "The item may have been specifically crafted from the very beginning." Princess Kate has donned the outfit on two previous occasions, but neither time was captured in its entirety through photographs. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The classic Blaze Milano blazer showcased on the brand's official site. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Princess Kate smiled brightly as she made her way through the Royal Marsden Hospital. The initial outing took place in 2021 amidst the Covid-19 restrictions, when Kate marked Christmas with her husband and their three children in Windsor. The second instance occurred last September when the future Queen participated in a church service at Balmoral, accompanied by other prominent members of the Royal Family. Following her appearance on Tuesday, Princess Kate announced that she is in remission after enduring a challenging phase of chemotherapy treatment. She expressed: "I feel a sense of relief to be in remission and I continue to concentrate on my recovery. Those who have faced a cancer diagnosis understand that adapting to a new normal takes time. Nevertheless, I am excited about the promising year ahead. There are plenty of things to anticipate."

Justin Bieber Ignites Family Feud Speculations by Unfollowing Hailey Bieber's Father, Stephen Baldwin

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Justin Bieber sparked rumors of a feud brewing with his in-laws when he unfollowed his wife Hailey Bieber’s dad, Stephen Baldwin, on Instagram. Along with Stephen, 58, the “Baby” singer, 30, reportedly unfollowed his former mentor, Usher, his former managers, Scooter Braun and Allison Kaye, his former “swag coach,” Ryan Good, and his former bodyguard, Kenny Hamilton, on the social media app, as well, according to The U.S. Sun. In Touch reached out to Justin for comment but has not heard back. On Wednesday, January 15, Stephen shared a mysterious message on his Instagram Stories. “Let us beware of making snap decisions when we’re not on our game, when life has turned against us, when we’re disheartened and discouraged,” the quote from pastor Alistair Begg read. He also shared a message thanking God for his family with the lyrics from Ryan Ellis’ song “Better Days.” "Thank you, God, for my family and for the lessons I've learned. I know I don't deserve them, yet you continue to bless me from above," the post expressed. Justin’s decision to unfollow The Usual Suspects star comes nearly a year after Stephen seemingly hinted at trouble in Hailey, 28, and Justin’s marriage in February 2024. At the time, Stephen asked for “prayers” for the couple by resharing a post from religious figure Victor Marx on his Instagram Stories. “Christians, please when you think of Justin & Hailey, take a moment to offer a little prayer for them,” Victor wrote in his post that featured Justin singing a cover of Martin Smith’s song “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.” He captioned the clip, “I seldom like to post about certain folks in the limelight because of the negative comments we get. Eileen and Hailey’s mom pray often together for J&H and our children as well.” Victor’s post caused fans to speculate about the state of Hailey and Justin’s relationship, but Hailey denied that she and Justin were having marriage trouble. She shared a message with her fans telling them not to believe everything they read. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. "Just a heads up, the narratives and ongoing 'blind items' circulating on TikTok are 100% inaccurate. They’re purely fictional... straight from the realm of fantasy," Hailey shared with her audience through her Instagram Stories on March 5, 2024. "I understand it might be entertaining to indulge in these tales, but just keep in mind that they are consistently untrue. Sorry to burst the bubble, xx." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Today's Special Offer Get This Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner for 90% Off! View Deal That same month, sources exclusively told In Touch that the Rhode Skincare founder confronted her dad about the message. "On March 28, 2024, a source revealed that Hailey confronted her father, advising him to hold back on any more remarks if he wants to stay involved in her and Justin's lives." Later that year, Justin and Hailey announced they were expecting baby No. 1, and she gave birth to son Jack Blues Bieber in August 2024. The following day, Stephen congratulated Hailey and Justin on their new addition when he reshared a post from Justin’s mom, Pattie Mallette. “Amen. Congratulations to you and may God continue to bless our family,” the Bio-Dome star wrote.

Simone Biles indulges in a luxurious $30K Hermès Birkin bag, bringing along her husband Jonathan Owens for some ‘emotional support’ during the shopping spree.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This week, during her visit to New York, Simone Biles indulged in a luxurious light brown Hermès Birkin bag. Only the finest for the finest. On Tuesday, Simone Biles shared on her Instagram Story that she had acquired a light brown Hermès Birkin bag, writing, “I treated myself to a new little baby while in New York.” The 27-year-old Olympic gymnast attended the VTEX Connect event in New York City on Monday, accompanied by her husband, 29-year-old Jonathan Owens, who provided her with emotional support during the outing. "Babe, I was totally sweating," she remarked, alluding to the extravagant spending. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Comparable styles on Fashionphile will cost you approximately $30,000. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Biles had her husband Jonathan Owens by her side for emotional support. Indeed, the famous designer bags, which were named after the late style icon Jane Birkin, come with a hefty price tag — styles similar to Biles’ will set you back around $30,000 on resale site Fashionphile. Despite feeling anxious about the purchase, this isn't the first Birkin bag for the Olympic champion. After competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles celebrated becoming the most decorated gymnast in history by picking out her very first tote from the brand. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. After her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles selected a Birkin bag for herself. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. She subsequently disclosed that the tote had been a present from her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles. In August, Biles posted on her Instagram Story images from her shopping excursion at a Hermès store in Paris, showcasing various color choices and a glimpse of an exclusive private back room. While she kept her choice of style under wraps, Biles proudly displayed the brand's iconic orange box after finalizing her purchase. A few days after the shopping spree, Biles revealed on Threads that her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, actually foot the bill for her the bag. "Don't take your anger out on me, direct it towards your parents," she joked in response to her critics. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. "Please don't take it out on me, direct your anger towards your parents," she typed. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. After the competition, the athlete achieved the status of the most decorated gymnast in history. Earlier this month, Biles was named Sports Illustrated 2024’s Sportsperson of the Year.   In the interview for her cover, the gymnast spoke about whether she plans on being a part of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.  "Having achieved so much, I find there's hardly anything left to pursue, except for being arrogant and attempting to start over, but for what purpose?" she remarked. "I've reached a stage in my career where I have the humility to recognize when it's time to step back."

The start date for the new series of Death in Paradise has been officially announced, featuring Don Gilet stepping into the role of DI Mervin Wilson.

The BBC has officially announced that the 14th season of Death in Paradise will premiere in late January, featuring Don Gilet as the new lead detective in the series. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The fourteenth series of Death in Paradise is set to premiere soon on BBC One. The BBC has announced that Death in Paradise will return to our screens for its 14th series later this month. The upcoming series of the popular drama has been eagerly anticipated, with former EastEnders actor Don Gilet stepping into the role of lead detective DI Mervin Wilson, following Ralf Little's departure as DI Neville Parker at the conclusion of the 13th series. Don's first outing as DI Wilson will be in the 14th season of Death in Paradise, after making his debut in the Christmas special last December. The BBC has officially announced that the new series will premiere on BBC One on Friday 31 January at 9pm. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Don Gilet is set to make his first appearance as DI Mervin Wilson. In the upcoming series, DI Wilson is set to face a multitude of new challenges as he delves into a variety of intriguing cases. During the Christmas special, he found himself investigating a peculiar incident involving three men who were seemingly shot at the same time with the same firearm. Mervin didn't exactly win over the locals of Saint Marie initially, managing to get on the wrong side of his colleagues, including Naomi (played by Shantol Jackson), who found him difficult to work with, reports the Express. Audiences were offered insight into Mervin's background, discovering that he had traveled to the island to reunite with his mother for the first time. He confided in his boss, Selwyn (played by Don Warrington), which laid the foundation for a developing friendship between them. Unfortunately, it was revealed that Mervin's mother had recently died. In light of this, Selwyn encouraged the detective to extend his visit to Saint Marie, suggesting it might help him feel a deeper connection to his deceased mother. When talking about Mervin's adaptation to life in Saint Marie, Don commented: "For him, everything in Saint Marie contradicts the established norms. His method aligns more with the fast-paced lifestyle of London, yet even in London, no one operates quite like he does." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Don first appeared as DI Wilson in the Christmas special of Death in Paradise. When discussing his involvement in the long-running BBC series, Don admitted to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about portraying a significant character. He remarked, "It probably won't come as a shock to hear that the experience was equally thrilling and daunting. I compare it to one of those exhilarating rides at an amusement park." "I'm about to take the plunge, fully aware that it might be frightening, yet I'm determined to go for it. You're challenging yourself. As you settle into the seat, thoughts race through your mind: 'What have I just signed up for?!' But there's a thrill in the air because I realize I'm starting this fresh adventure." He continued: "It's a weird feeling for an actor when you get any job, no matter what role it is, because they like your craft and what you did in the audition. When I was in the room, there were four people to impress, and I managed to do it. It was a great reminder to me that, yeah, you can still do this. It felt like a little personal air-punch-without-anyone-looking moment."