Ralf Little breaks silence on Death in Paradise replacement - and reveals when he found out
Death in Paradise star Ralf Little has shared a heartfelt message to his replacement on the show, just one month on since he bowed out of the BBC detective series in emotional scenes. As regular viewers will know, Ralf’s character DI Neville Parker sailed off into the sunset with his love interest Florence Cassell, sparking a huge debate over who would step in to replace him as the show’s lead.
Several famous names were thrown into the mix including Toby Jones, Rupert Grint and Miranda Hart, but after weeks of intense speculation, it was finally revealed that EastEnders star Don Gilet had been cast in the role.
Shortly after the news had been confirmed by the BBC, Ralf took to social media to share a sweet message to Don ahead of his new role, as he said: “As of an hour ago, on the official Death in Paradise social media, the news is out! I have actually known for a couple of weeks but obviously couldn’t say anything.”
Ralf then continued: “The new detective is the wonderful Don Gilet and I just want to say from me to you - Don, I hope you have the most wonderful time! It’s the most magical experience and I hope you just get everything out of it and I wish you the best of luck. I’m absolutely sure you’re going to be magnificent. Cheers mate.”
Don is best known to fans for playing serial killer Lucas Johnson in BBC’s EastEnders and will be swapping his villainous ways for a far more law abiding role with the actor revealed to be playing Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise.
According to show bosses, Mervin is a cop who hails from London, and has swapped his city home for a new life on Saint Marie - but is far from impressed with his new home. The character will make his debut in a Christmas special later this year before taking on the lead role for series fourteen.
Speaking about his new exciting role, Don said that it feels like "a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel" has been placed in his hands.
"This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.
"Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!”
