BBC Death in Paradise’s DI Neville Parker replacement ‘revealed’ after Ralf Little quits show

The replacement for Death In Paradise’s DI Neville Parker after Ralf Little announced he was leaving the BBC show has been ‘revealed’.

Ever since it was announced that Ralf, 44, would be leaving the show after four years as Saint Marie’s lead detective, the rumor mill has swirled about who will replace him.

With its final episode on Sunday, a string of stars have been tipped as next in line – with The Inbetweeners’ Simon Bird the bookmakers’ favourite.

The odds of Betfred 39-year-old Simon taking on the role are 5/4, with a probability of 44 percent.

Meanwhile, the second most likely star to make an appearance is Diane Morgan, who is best known for her iconic character Philomena Cunk.

Ever since it was revealed that Ralf, 44, would be leaving the show after four years as Saint Marie’s lead detective, the rumor mill has swirled about who will replace him.

48-year-old Diane, who also starred in Afterlife and Mandy, has odds of 7/1 according to her The mirror.

Gavin and Stacey star Matthew Horne is listed at 5/1, while other celebrities thought to be in the running include comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Jodie Whittaker and Jaye Griffiths.

Some fans had thought that the character Florence Cassell, played by Josephine Jobert, would be the replacement detective.

Ralf was the longest-lasting leading man, following in the footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall and Ardal O’Hanlon who all played the iconic role, with producers now looking for his replacement.

A TV source said this The mirror: ‘Ralf was brilliant in the role and he gave it a good long run. Fans will certainly be sad to see him go, but they will also be happy for Neville.”

A 14th season has already been commissioned and a Christmas special is planned, with filming set to take place in the coming months.

Ralf, 44, previously described playing the lead role in the show as a “dream role”, highlighting the quality of the show and dismissing the idea that it was a “guilty pleasure”.

In 2021, he said, “I’m still trying to gently move the story away from that sentence. What can you be guilty of? It’s a high quality show, with a complex murder with new characters and a mystery to solve and they do it all in an hour.

With Sunday’s final episode, a string of stars have been tipped as next in line – with The Inbetweeners’ Simon Bird the bookmakers’ favorite

Meanwhile, the second most likely star to make an appearance is Diane Morgan, who is best known for her iconic character Philomena Cunk, followed by Matthew Horne.

‘And it looks beautiful – murder has never been so much fun. It’s an incredible achievement. I’m very proud of that.’

The series, set on the island of Saint Marie, was the BBC’s third biggest drama in Britain in 2023, just behind Happy Valley and Doctor Who.

The drama enjoyed enormous worldwide success, reaching more than 240 territories. The 100th episode will air this season.

In the penultimate episode, DI Parker revealed that he was leaving the island of Saint Marie, where the series is set.

In episode 14 of the series, Neville teamed up with DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert)

At one point in the episode, when Naomi visited Marcel, she asked when he planned to pack his things.

Neville replied coyly, ‘I’ve got a lot to do, buying things for my trip, booking accommodation. Plus, I need to make a list of Harry’s dietary requirements for whoever moves in next.

“I wanted to start it last night, but I got distracted by the case.”

The show, which also stars Naomi Thomas (played by Shantol Jackson – pictured), is the BBC’s third biggest drama in Britain in 2023, just behind Happy Valley and Doctor Who.

The final scene saw Neville make a final video call to Florence before boarding the plane after a farewell drink with his colleagues.

He told Florence, “I’m at the airport – I’ve just had my farewell drink; the Commissioner made a small, broadly complimentary speech. It’s the nicest he’s ever been to me. The only thing missing was you.”

After apologizing for not being there, Neville added, “Well, I am, I better catch my flight.” I think this is another goodbye.’