Death in Paradise's Ralf Little's replacement 'sealed' as character returns from the dead

Alice Penwill
·3-min read

Have you heard the latest theory from Detective in Paradise fans? They're certain they've figured out who's going to take over from our beloved Neville Parker, played by Ralf Little.

Turns out, Doc Martin star John Marquez is being tipped as the one to fill Ralf's shoes after he first appeared on our telly screens as Neville back in 2020. In fact, Ralf has given us the longest-serving DI the show has ever seen - a remarkable four years and did we mention how many episodes?

Fans of the hugely popular BBC show may remember John as Tom Lewis - he was only in a couple of episodes way back in 2017, but despite his character meeting an untimely end, viewers think his return could be on the cards. And not as the same face, oh no, as an entirely new one!

Viewers think they know who will replace Ralf Little in the next series of Death in Paradise
Viewers think they know who will replace Ralf Little in the next series of Death in Paradise -Credit:BBC

Curious chatter buzzing among fans suggests: "I think John Marquez who played PC Joe Penhale in Doc Martin would be brilliant as the new Detective Inspector," while another chimed in saying, "He can't be the new DI because he was killed in series 6 episode 'man overboard' in Death in Paradise.".

But leave it to the pros, with another fan adding: "You guys have obviously never watched soap operas. There is always a way to bring them back as a different character or maybe elude to the resemblance to the previous deceased character."

"I thought about him as well," shared a viewer, with another confessing: "Oh yes brilliant idea, best I've seen so far."

John Marquez played local police officer, PC Joe Penhale, in Doc Martin from 2007-2022
John Marquez played local police officer, PC Joe Penhale, in Doc Martin from 2007-2022 -Credit:PacificCoastNews

Someone else chimed in: "Hadn't thought of John, think he would be good," while another long-time viewer fondly remembered how Ralf had a guest role on the show before taking up his later iconic character Neville Parker.

Ralf bid farewell to the show in an extremely emotional season finale, where he departed hand-in-hand with Florence Cassell, Josephine Jobert's character. In his tear-jerking exit video, Ralf described his leadership of the show as nothing less than a "privilege".

He said: "It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his really quite profound journey with you. I can't thank you all enough for the support over the last four-and-a-half years and as Neville heads off for new challenges and adventures and I head off for new challenges and adventures.”

John has actually appeared in Death in Paradise before - and was killed off
John has actually appeared in Death in Paradise before - and was killed off -Credit:Getty

Reflecting on his time in Death In Paradise, Ralf admitted: "The way everyone took Neville into their hearts, it really has been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life.

“If it wasn't for all of you, I'd have never got to do it. So thank you, so so much! What next for the show? Well, I couldn't even tell you if I did know but I don't! I don't know!".