‘Best’ Death in Paradise detective returns to BBC series and fans are thrilled
Death in Paradise fans were left delighted as Ralf Little returned to screens as Neville Parker in a BBC repeat of the show's 11th series
Death in Paradise fans were delighted as Ralf Little made his return to screens in a BBC repeat of the show’s 11th series last Friday. As viewers tuned in, they were taken back to Ralf’s role as Detective Neville Parker, who is also back on screens tonight in a repeat of episode two of series 11.
Following the departure of former detective Jack Mooney, portrayed by Ardal O’Hanlon, it was left to DI Parker to head up Saint Marie’s police force. Initially dispatched from Manchester to sort matters out swiftly, the new DI found life on a Caribbean island rather challenging.
However, as dubious evidence came to light, his intended short stay was reluctantly extended to further investigate what had developed into a murder case.
The synopsis for tonight’s episode reads, “The arrival of a long-lost brother to a family-run golf club culminates in a body being retrieved from the course. A prime suspect with an alibi leaves the team of detectives with an impenetrable conundrum,” reports the Mirror.
The Death in Paradise cast(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures)
Last week, fans could barely contain their excitement, swiftly taking to social media to express their joy at Ralf’s return. One viewer tweeted: “@deathinparadise @RalfLittle congratulations watching a rerun tonight.”
Another declared: “Watching repeat of @deathinparadise on @BBCOne with @RalfLittle, what a shame you have replaced him and so many of the original team…. this was the best.” Someone else added, “Missing Neville, my favourite detective on the island.”
Another commented, “Anyone miss the Neville and Marlon dynamic?” to which one replied, “Definitely! They had great chemistry.” In March 2024, Ralf took to Instagram to announce his departure from the series, where he’s become recognised as the programme’s longest-serving detective.
He emotionally shared: “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! I want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show when I arrived four and a half years ago.”
Fans were thrilled to see Neville and Florence back on screens(Image: BBC / Red Planet / Denis Guyenon)
Reflecting on joining the series, Ralf also admitted: “Coming into a series beloved by millions was a huge responsibility, and I had no idea whether viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville’s character, and indeed to me.
“It was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming, and it’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his quite profound journey with you.
“I can’t thank you all enough for the support over the last four and a half years. It’s been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life.”
Ralf makes another appearance on Sunday evening with a repeat screening of episode four from series 11. The synopsis hints: “Florence’s undercover role takes a dangerous turn when she finds herself in familiar surroundings, amid a murder investigation. Facing a race against time, Neville sets out to solve the crime.”
