The replacement for Death In Paradise’s DI Neville Parker after Ralf Little announced he was leaving the BBC show has been ‘revealed’.
Since it was announced that Ralf, 44, would depart the show after four years as Saint Marie’s lead detective, the rumour mill has swirled as to who will replace him.
With Sunday his last episode, a series of stars have been tipped as next in line – with The Inbetweeners’ Simon Bird the bookies’ favourite.
Betfred’s likelihood of Simon, 39, taking on the role is at odds of 5/4, with a 44 per cent probability.
Meanwhile, the second most likely star to step in is Diane Morgan, who is best known for her iconic character Philomena Cunk.
The replacement for Death In Paradise’s DI Neville Parker after Ralf Little announced he was leaving the BBC show has been ‘revealed’
Since it was revealed that Ralf, 44, would depart the show after four years as Saint Marie’s lead detective, the rumour mill has swirled as to who will replace him
Diane, 48, who has also starred in Afterlife and Mandy, has odds of 7/1, according to The Mirror.
Gavin and Stacey star Matthew Horne is at odds of 5/1 whilst other celebrities thought to be in the running include comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Jodie Whittaker and Jaye Griffiths.
Some fans had thought that the show’s character Florence Cassell, played by Josephine Jobert, would be the stand-in detective.
Ralf was the longest-lasting lead and followed in the footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, and Ardal O’Hanlon who all played in the iconic role, with producers now on the lookout for his replacement.
A TV source told The Mirror: ‘Ralf has been brilliant in the role and he’s given it a good long run. Fans are sure to be sad to see him go but they’ll also be happy for Neville.’
A 14th season has already been commissioned and a Christmas special slated with filming taking place in the coming months.
Ralf, 44, previously described playing the show’s lead as a ‘dream role’, emphasising the show’s quality and dismissed the notion of it being a ‘guilty pleasure.’
In 2021 he said: ‘I am still trying to gently steer the narrative away from that phrase. What is there to be guilty about? It is a high quality show, with a complex murder with new characters and a mystery that has to be resolved and they do it all in an hour.
With Sunday his last episode, a series of stars have been tipped as next in line – with The Inbetweeners’ Simon Bird the bookies’ favourite
Meanwhile, the second most likely star to step in is Diane Morgan, who is best known for her iconic character Philomena Cunk, followed by Matthew Horne
Other celebrities thought to be in the running include comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Jodie Whittaker and Jaye Griffiths
‘And it looks beautiful – never was murder so enjoyable. It is an incredible achievement. It is something I am very proud of.’
The series, set on the island of Saint Marie, was the BBC’s third biggest drama in the UK in 2023, sitting just behind Happy Valley and Doctor Who.
The drama has had a huge global success reaching over 240 territories. Its 100th episode will air during the current season.
In the penultimate episode, DI Parker, revealed that he was leaving the island of Saint Marie, where the series is set.
Episode 14 of the series saw Neville work alongside DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert)
At one stage in the episode, when Naomi paid Neville a visit, she asked when he might be planning to pack his belongings.
Neville coyly replied: ‘I’ve still got loads to do, stuff to buy for my trip, accommodation to book. Plus I need to make a list of Harry’s dietary requirements for whoever moves in next.
‘I was going to make a start on it last night but I got distracted by the case.’
The show which also features Naomi Thomas (played by Shantol Jackson – pictured) is the BBC’s third biggest drama in the UK in 2023, sitting just behind Happy Valley and Doctor Who
The final scene saw Neville have a final video call with Florence before boarding a plane after having farewell drinks with his colleagues.
He told Florence: ‘I am at the airport – I just had my leaving drinks; the Commissioner made a little speech, broadly complimentary. It’s the nicest he’s ever been to me. The only thing missing was you.’
After she apologised for not being there, Neville added: ‘Well that is me, I better go catch my flight. I guess this is goodbye – again.’