BBC confirms return of Death in Paradise with beloved detective after exit
Death in Paradise is airing a repeat episode tonight on BBC One and it will see the return of Ralf Little as Detective Neville Parker
Death in Paradise is airing a repeat episode tonight featuring a beloved former detective. Ralf Little will return to his role as Detective Neville Parker in an episode that originally aired in 2022.
Ralf left Death in Paradise in March 2024 and was subsequently replaced by Don Gilet, who now plays the show’s current detective, Mervin Wilson. The touching farewell saw Neville sailing off into the sunset with his love interest, Florence Cassell (played by Josephine Jobert).
Tonight’s repeat from series 11, entitled Last Call to Honore, will follow Neville and his fellow officers as they investigate what happened and how someone met their end. The episode, which sees Neville back on Saint Marie, airs at 9pm on BBC One.
Ralf held the distinction of being the programme’s longest-serving detective prior to his 2024 departure. The actor had originally taken over from Ardal O’Hanlon, who portrayed the much-loved Detective Jack Mooney, according to the Express.
A repeat of Death in Paradise will air tonight(Image: BBC)
When speaking about his exit from Death in Paradise, Ralf said: “The secret’s out! My time on Saint Marie has come to an end. But what an end! New adventures await Neville, and he got to sail off into the sunset with his best friend, and, you know, who knows what happens for them next!
“I just want to say, just an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show. When I arrived, four-and-a-half years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill. Coming into a series beloved by millions, including me, was a huge responsibility. I had no idea if viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville’s character and indeed to me, so it was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming.”
He went on to say, “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.”
Ralf Little will be back as DI Neville Parker(Image: BBC)
In his most recent social media post, Ralf delighted his followers by sharing a nostalgic throwback photo of himself as Neville Parker.
Alongside the cast photo, he wrote: “This throwback popped up on my feed the other day. Five years since we filmed @deathinparadiseofficial series 11 in Guadeloupe. Great times!”
Fans flocked to the comments section to share their feelings, with one writing, “I only watched it when you were in it, Ralf. I wish you had stayed in it longer,” while another fan said, “Missing Neville, my favorite detective on the island!”
“Absolutely loved Neville,” someone else added. “He was such a bundle of fun and changes!! The kindness and the friendship in the team.”
Death in Paradise broadcasts tonight at 9pm on BBC One.