Death in Paradise writer hints at Friends star replacing Ralf Little on BBC show
One month on since Death in Paradise fans were devastated by the departure of fan favourite Ralf Little, avid viewers have been abuzz with excitement over who may replace him as the show’s lead. So far, plenty of big name stars have been rumoured to be in the frame to potentially take over the role, with Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint and Doc Martin’s lead actor Martin Clunes among the top contenders.
But eagle eyed fans are now convinced Death in Paradise writer, James Hall, could have dropped a major clue about who will be the latest detective on the show, after they spotted he had recently started following US actor Michael Rapaport on social media.
Although the name may not be immediately familiar to viewers, Michael is one of the most recognisable faces in the US TV scene, having appeared in Friends where he played Phoebe Buffay’s cop boyfriend, alongside Prison Break, My Name is Earl and Atypical to name but a few of his impressive small screen credits.
Film buffs may also recognise the actor for his role alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in The 6th Day, or for joining Eddie Murphy in Doctor Dolittle 2. In fact, over the course of his career, Michael has stared in a whopping 69 films so far!
The newest clue now makes Michael the latest star in a growing list of possible contenders to take over as Death in Paradise’s new lead detective, following the departure of Ralf Little’s character DI Neville Parker for pastures new at the end of the last series.
So far, bookies are tipping Rupert Grint as the front runner to take over the show, with odds currently standing at 6-4 for him taking over. However, not everyone is so convinced, with several other names in the running even having been publicly backed by former Death in Paradise leads themselves
Ben Miller, who famously helmed the show as DI Richard Poole between 2011 and 2014, tipped Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Toby Jones for the role, while also alternatively expressing a desire to see a female lead become the star.
"Oh my God, there are so many people who'd be brilliant," he told RadioTimes.com, before suggesting: “Toby Jones that's who I'd like to see.”
In addition to Toby, Ben also suggested that a female lead could also “definitely work” for the show as he added: "I could see that, 100%. I think that'd be good too. If we're playing fantasy detectives, Miranda Hart. ”
Ralf Little bowed out of the series last month, when his character Neville finally sailed off into the sunset with his love interest Florence Cassell. Confirming his exit as soon as the episode had aired, Ralf told his fans: "My time on Saint Marie has come to an end – what an end! New adventures await Neville, and he got to sail away into the sunset with his best friend. Who knows what happens for them next!”
