Who could be the next ‘Ralf Little’? Latest odds on who will play lead Death in Paradise detective –
EVER since the BBC unleashed Death In Paradise in 2011, the show has been a huge hit with viewers.
Over the years the series has seen detectives come and go, and now it's time for a new one to step into the role.
Who will be the new Death in Paradise detective?
Death In Paradise fans are on the edge of their seats to find out who will be the next detective.
After DI Neville Parker was seen sailing off into the sunset on the Caribbean crime-drama, the race is on to find out who will replace him.
The bookies have now given their tips on who will be next to bag the lead role.
Here we take you through the top contenders, and why they would be good on the show.
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Diane Morgan 1-2
Betting shop Coral are tipping actress Diane Morgan as their favourite to be the next detective with odds of 1-2.
Coral’s John Hill said: “Mandy star Diane Morgan tops our betting to replace Ralf Little on Death In Paradise.
"We think the show may go for a new look on the next series, with the comedian the most likely to land the lead detective role."
Since starring in Ricky Gervais' Afterlife, actress Diane has seen her star soar.
She is also well known for the hit comedy Motherland.
Miranda Hart 2-1
The much-loved comedian Miranda Hart is next in line to scoop the coveted role.
She had a lot of success with her self-titled sitcom, and has since gone on to conquer Hollywood.
Across the pond Miranda has starred in blockbuster films, which included Spy alongside Melissa McCarthy.
Martin Clunes 7-2
The bookies have national treasure Martin Clunes in third place, with odds of 7-2.
After kicking his career off as the hapless Gary in Men Behaving Badly, he has gone onto become one of the UK's leading actors.
These days Martin is best known for his starring role in ITV's Doc Martin, but he also led the cast in true-crime drama Manhunt.
Rupert Grint 5-1
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint is also a hot contender to be the next detective.
Thanks to his role as Ron Weasley in the Boy Wizard franchise, he has an army of fans who he would bring with him.
Since the Potter films come to an end, Rupert has kept his toe in acting and starred in the BBC series, Snatch.
Simon Bird 6-1
With odds of 6-1, Simon Bird is also a bookies' favourite to be the next Death In Paradise detective.
He would fit in with the series’ theme of casting actors known for their work in comedy.
Simon shot to fame in teen comedy The Inbetweeners, and has gone on to have an impressive career.
The actor is also well known for Channel 4 comedy, Friday Night Dinner.
When will the next Death in Paradise detective be announced?
The BBC are yet to reveal when they will announce Death In Paradise's next detective.
However, the show's producer previously said that the role could be played by a man or a woman.
Death in Paradise boss Tim Key said: "Our intention in having the detective solve the crimes [and] it's to show that that's sort of the only thing that character can do effectively.
"Because he's an incredibly broken character, and socially inept.
"There's no rule it always has to be a man"
Who played DI Neville Parker in Death in Paradise?
Royle Family star Ralf Little played the role of DI Neville Parker, and was the fourth actor to take on the part.
The actor called joining the show his "dream role" when he was announced as the new detective in 2019.
Ralf said at the time: “It took less than 0.005 seconds to say yes to playing the new DI!
"How could I not? It is a joy to play Neville and I can’t wait for viewers to see him in paradise.”
However, after just four years in the role, Ralf confirmed in March 2024 he had quit the show.
In a statement he said: “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.”
He added: “I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s been the ride of a lifetime”.
That same month, viewers watched Ralf's final scenes in Death In Paradise.
The series came to an end with him sailing off into the sunset with DS Florence Cassell.
Will there be another Death in Paradise season?
The BBC has revealed the show will be back for a Christmas special in 2024.
The Beeb also announced the next series of the hit show will start in early 2025.
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They said in a statement: "Death In Paradise will once again offer the perfect cocktail of sun-soaked escapism, shimmering seas and bright blue skies.
"The Caribbean sun-soaked detective drama enters its fourteenth year with its much-loved combination of magnificent murder mysteries, mindboggling puzzles and plot twists which leave audiences guessing and on the edge of their seats."
Timeline of Death In Paradise detectives
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole - Actor Ben played the first ever detective from season 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O’Hanlon as as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three season from series 6 to 9.
Ralf Little as as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four season from 9 to 13.