Ralf Little is returning to screens as DI Neville Parker in an episode of the beloved crime drama airing tonight, Monday, August 17. The actor played the lead detective in Death in Paradise from seasons 9 to 13, following Ben Miller, Kris Marshall and Ardal O’Hanlon’s stints.
Repeat Episode from 2022
Don Gilet took over from 2025, but as fans patiently await a new series, the BBC has been airing repeat episodes, and one from season 11 in 2022 is now airing. The synopsis for it teases: “A reggae rap artist is shot dead at a soundcheck for a concert. Things prove uncomfortable for Marlon when he discovers a personal connection to the crime.”
Ralf Little's Departure
Ralf stepped down from his role in 2024 after four years, having become the longest-serving Detective Inspector. His final scenes in Death in Paradise saw his character sail off into the sunset with DS Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert) and start a new chapter together.
He shared at the time: "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. Coming into a series beloved by millions was a huge responsibility and I had no idea whether viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville’s character, and indeed to me.
“It was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming, and it’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his quite profound journey with you.
“I can’t thank you all enough for the support over the last four and a half years. It’s been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life.
“The team that makes Death in Paradise - the producers, writers, directors, crew, guest cast, and my magnificent co-stars - they know what they’re doing, and the future is in good hands. I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s been the ride of a lifetime.”
Planned Final Season
He later explained on BBC Breakfast that his final season had always been planned, adding: "If it was in my heart… like, if it was just a heart decision, I'd have wanted to do it for 20 more years.
“But just for the show, and for my character Neville, it just felt like his story, it deserved to be finished, and his journey deserved to be completed and he deserved a nice happy ending, and so it just felt right.”
Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
