Ralf Little breaks silence on BBC Death in Paradise exit as fans left 'gutted' after Neville Parker departure

The BBC is yet to announce a replacement for Little at the time of publication but has teased it will be made in "due course".

DI Neville Parker left the show in emotional scenes on Sunday evening after he and Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert) finally admitted their feelings for one another and jetted off for a new life together.

The departure left viewers in tears - and some baffled - and now Little has sparked a fresh wave of emotions with a social media video addressing his exit.

In a post shared to Instagram, Little said of the decision to leave: "So, there you have it, 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! But I just want to say, just an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show."

Reminiscing, he continued: "When I arrived, four-and-a-half years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill. And coming into a series beloved by millions, including me, was a huge responsibility.

"I had no idea if the 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.

"And 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."

To everyone who continued to believe in Floreville, even when things seemed hopeless: this one's for you. #DeathInParadise pic.twitter.com/aVjASuB2PN

— Death in Paradise (@deathinparadise) March 24, 2024

He continued: "When I look back at the time I spent on Death In Paradise and the way everyone took Neville into their hearts, it really has been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. If it wasn't for all of you, I'd have never have got to do it, so thank you, so so much!"

Little also looked ahead: "What next for the show? Well, I couldn't even tell you if I did know but I don't! I don't know! But what I do know is that the team that makes it, the producers, the writers, directors, all the crew, guest cast, and of course my absolutely magnificent co-stars, they know what they're doing and the future is in good hands!

"So I'll be watching series 14 along with you guys with the same excitement you all will. I can't wait to see what happens next!

"Oh, and I have four-and-a-half years of fun behind-the-scenes stuff I can now show you so keep an eye out for that! But yeah, I just wanna say thank you again to every single last one of you. It's been the ride of a lifetime."

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Before long, fans flooded the comments section of the video wishing Little well and admitting they were "gutted" and "devastated" to see him go.

Tim Key, executive producer for the production company behind the show, Red Planet Pictures, also issued a statement regarding Little's exit.

Key praised the actor as he said: "Joining a successful show like Death in Paradise as the lead is a daunting and risky prospect, but Ralf’s confidence and talent shone through from day one and the audience response to Neville and his journey has been amazing.

"I can’t thank Ralf enough for everything he has brought to the show, on and off screen, and wish him all the very best for the future."