Death in Paradise star Ralph Little has quit the BBC drama after five years which has left fans stunned, with is final appearance set to air tomorrow night.
The final episode synopsis of season 13 reads: “A passenger disappears from a flight to Dominica, only to be found dead in Saint Marie, while the pilot and flight attendant deny even seeing the victim on the place.
“Neville starts to question whether he’s losing his mind, and the return of a familiar face presents him with a big decision to make.”
The series began in 2011 and has seen Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O'Hanlon and now Little star as the main character, solving the ongoing mysteries on the island.
A source told The Mirror of Little’s departure: “Ralf has been brilliant in the role and he’s given it a good long run. Fans are sure to be sad to see him go but they’ll also be happy for Neville.”
GB News has contacted the BBC for a comment.
The series has been commissioned for a 14th series and will return for a Christmas special at the end of the year – but who will take over from Little?
Neville Parker got on the plane at the end of the last episode
BBC
Fans of the show were left devastated to hear the news that Little was leaving the show and took to their social media accounts to express their sadness.
One commented: “Nooooo it can't be goodbye..... Neville loves being a detective in Saint Marie and we all love Neville, therefore @RalfLittle has to stay. See decision made.”
“I don't want him to leave. I love him being on the show. He makes it fun,” another added before a third cried: “This can’t be! He is the best there is!”
One viewer theorised: “I bet Florence is going to take over from Neville! It has to be the only reason why she is back! Or she’s back because she’s realised she is in love with Neville?”
Florence recently returned to the series leaving fans to predict she is Neville's replacement
BBC
“This news has really ruined my week. I cannot believe it… Ralph you were the best there is and always will be!” a fifth quipped. (sic)
Little has previously defended the shows “quality” and admitted that he hated it when people described the show as their “guilty pleasure”.
He explained: “I am still trying to gently steer the narrative away from that phrase. What is there to be guilty about? It is a high quality show, with a complex murder with new character and a mystery that has to be resolved and they do it all in an hour.
“And it looks beautiful – never was murder so enjoyable. It is an incredible achievement. It is something I am very proud of.”
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Ralph Little has stepped away from his role
BBC
Last week’s episode left audiences heartbroken when Parker left the fictional island of Saint Marie, without a reunion with detective sergeant Florence Cassell, who recently returned to the show.
The former Two Pints star recently discussed his potential replacement on his Instagram account and decided to hold and Q&A.
He told his fans: “I don’t know. I have no idea, I’m not gonna swerve answering the question. I don’t know. I don’t know which direction they’re gonna go in.
“I have honestly no idea and they haven’t told me. Maybe they had no idea yet. I, like the rest of you, are going to be just sitting and asking, ‘Who’s next?’ Who knows? No idea. But we’ll see what happens.”