Ralf Little, best known for playing Detective Inspector Neville Parker in the BBC drama Death in Paradise, has reflected on the 'bonkers' audition that landed him his breakthrough role in The Royle Family almost 30 years ago. The actor, who left Death in Paradise in 2024, shared the story in a clip from the show Ricky & Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip posted on Instagram.
How the Audition Unfolded
Little explained that his acting career began over three decades ago with a role in the ITV children's drama Children's Ward in the 1990s. That show also launched the careers of Danny Dyer and Stephen Graham. Little believes that his work on Children's Ward led to his audition for The Royle Family. He told Ricky Tomlinson in the clip: 'I'd done a few episodes of that, and I can only assume that Caroline (Aherne) and Craig (Cash), when they were doing the Royle Family, they couldn't be bothered seeing hundreds of kids, like what normally happens. They said, 'Just send three or four lads that you know'.'
Little described the audition as incredibly brief: 'I walked in, I sat down, and I read the script with them. I must've been in the room more than three minutes, four minutes tops. I walked out going, 'I did nothing, nothing interesting, nothing different'.' After leaving, he received a parking ticket for £50, which he couldn't afford, and thought it was the worst day of his life. However, upon arriving home in Bury, his mother told him that Granada had called offering him the part before he even got home. 'Never happens like that, it was bonkers,' he said.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
The Instagram post quickly attracted comments from fans reminiscing about his iconic role as Antony Royle. One fan wrote: 'So glad they picked you to be in The Royle Family, leading to an amazing career for a fantastic actor.' Another added: 'Still going strong & still an incredible actor. Well done Ralf.' A third commented: 'Right choice! And this was just the beginning of a versatile, great career. Thx for so many wonderful TV moments.'
Little played Antony Royle in the beloved sitcom for several years, which propelled his career. He later starred in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps as Jonny Keogh before taking on the lead role in Death in Paradise from 2020 to 2024. Don Gilet has since replaced him as the lead detective in the BBC drama.
Continued Career
Little's acting journey spans more than three decades, with roles across television and film. Reflecting on his career, he noted that the rapid offer for The Royle Family was unprecedented. Ricky & Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip is available to watch on U.
