Death in Paradise fans predict spin-off star will replace Ralf Little
With the latest Death in Paradise actor, Ralf Little, having left the fictional island of Saint Marie - rumours have been swirling as to who will replace him as the lead detective.
Ralf played Detective Inspector Neville Parker for five years, having taken over the role from Ardal O’Hanlon, who played DI Jack Rooney, in 2020. However, Neville decided to leave his post in March, in order to travel with DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) - the pair left the island together, much to the joy of fans.
But it has left a gaping hole in the Saint Marie police force, and fans believe they’ve finally worked out who will be replacing Ralf, and she's a familiar face.
In an online forum, fans have expressed their theories of who they think will come in as the lead detective suggesting that Esther from the spin-off Beyond Paradise could switch Devon for the Caribbean.
One responded: “That would be interesting. Especially since she definitely feels like the right sort of "fit" for being a DI on Saint Marie. Just about the right amount of "uptightness" (Note: I do love her character)”.
Another added: “I don't expect it to happen either but it could- maybe they haven't announced a new DI yet because they don't want to spoil the end of beyond paradise....”
Fans have been speculating about whether the lead detective will be a woman considering all previous actors in the main role have been men.
There has been a lead female detective cast in the Death in Paradise spin-off, Return to Paradise which sees Home and Away actress, Anna Samson, take on the role of DI Mackenzie Clarke.
The storyline will follow DS Clarke, an Australian expat who has been solving some of London's toughest cases for the Metropolitan Police. However, Mackenzie finds herself back in Australia - the last place she wants to be - when she is accused of tampering with evidence.
The BBC are yet to confirm who will take over the role, but there have been many actors that viewers believe could be the next detective. Doc Martin actor John Marquez has been suggested to take over the part, as well as The Inbetweeners star, Simon Bird, and even comedian Diane Morgan.
Ralf announced leaving the role on social media, at the end of the final episode he confirmed his departure and said: Ralf said: "So, there you have it! The secret's out! My time on Saint Marie has come to an end. But, what an end! New adventures await Neville and he got to sail off into the sunset with his best friend, and, you know, who knows what happens for them next!
"I just want to say, just an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show. When I arrived, four-and-a-half years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill. Coming into a series beloved by millions, including me, was a huge responsibility. I had no idea if viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville's character and indeed to me, so it was quite a relief the response has been overwhelming."
