Death in Paradise's Ralf Little 'to be replaced by The Inbetweeners icon'
Death in Paradise could see an unexpected star step into the role of lead detective as one of the stars of The Inbetweeners looks set to replace Ralf Little.
After weeks of speculation about whether he would leave the BBC crime drama, Ralf bowed out at the end of season 13 as DI Neville Parker, leaving a spot open to join the cast who film the series in the Caribbean. Fans have been discussing who they think could be the show's next star, and now the bookies believe they have narrowed it down to a likely candidate as Simon Bird is the clear favourite to be cast.
Simon is best known for playing deeply uncool Will McKenzie in comedy The Inbetweeners, known for its rude humour that could not be further away from the cosy crime series Death in Paradise.
But bookmaker Coral has slashed his odds to 4-5 from a previous 3-1 to become the new lead detective after seeing strong support in their betting.
Hot on the heels of Simon to take the role is Doc Martin star Martin Clunes at 5-2, followed by comedian and Motherland actress Diane Morgan at 3-1, while Harry Potter star Rupert Grint is 5-1. Comedian Miranda Hart is also on the list with odds of 6-1, alongside Gavin and Stacey's Mathew Horne with the same odds.
Coral's John Hill said: "We have seen strong support for Simon Bird to take over the lead detective role on Death In Paradise. The former Inbetweeners star is now odds-on in our betting."
Ralf 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!”
He added it was "an absolute privilege and a pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his quite profound journey with you".
He continued: "It's been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. The team that makes Death in Paradise – the producers, writers, directors, crew, guest cast, and my magnificent co-stars – they know what they're doing, and the future is in good hands. I can't wait to see what happens next. It's been the ride of a lifetime."
Ben Miller was Death in Paradise's first detective, followed by Kris Marshall who now stars in UK-set spin-off series Beyond Paradise. Ardal O'Hanlon then got the lead role before Ralf took over from him.
Original star Ben recently said that he wants Mr Bates star Toby Jones to take on the series next, telling RadioTimes.com: "Oh my God, there are so many people who'd be brilliant. Toby Jones, that's who I'd like to see."
He also suggested that a female lead could "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. "
