Death in Paradise fans were thrilled as Ralf Little returned to screens in a BBC repeat of the show's 11th series last Friday. Audiences tuned in to revisit his appearance as Detective Neville Parker, who is also returning tonight in a repeat of episode two.
Following the exit of former detective Jack Mooney, played by Ardal O'Hanlon, DI Parker took over leading Saint Marie's police force. Initially sent from Manchester to resolve matters quickly, the new DI struggled with life on a Caribbean island. However, questionable evidence surfaced, prolonging his brief visit to investigate 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."
Fans took to social media to share their delight. 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." Others expressed missing Neville and the dynamic with Marlon.
In March 2024, Ralf Little announced his exit from the series on Instagram, where he became known 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." He thanked viewers for their overwhelming support over four and a half years.
Little will return once more on Sunday for a repeat of episode four from series 11. The synopsis teases: "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."
