Death in Paradise's new detective announced as EastEnders star after Ralf Little exit
02.05.2024 - 18:35
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A former EastEnders star has been confirmed as Death in Paradise's new lead detective.
Fans of the long-running BBC crime drama had been speculating who would replace Detective Inspector Neville Parker following actor Ralf Little's departure. The 44-year old made his debut in 2020, becoming the fourth actor to take on the main role.
Ralf announced he was stepping down at the end of series 13 in March. Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast last month, he revealed: "This last series was always going to be my last series. I spoke to the BBC and Red Planet, the production company, and we all agreed.
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"If it was just a heart decision I would have wanted to do it for 20 more years. But just for the show and for my character Neville it just sort of felt like his story was finished and his journey deserved to be completed."
A new face will soon be leading Saint Marie's police force. The BBC confirmed on Thursday May 2 that former EastEnders star Don Gilet would be joining the cast as the new lead DI.
Don first stepped foot in Albert Square in 2008 as serial killer Lucas Johnson. He left the show for good in 2021, taking multiple breaks over the years. Don's other credits include Doctor Who, Holby City and The Loch.
The 57-year-old will make his Death in Paradise debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, before joining for a brand new series in 2025. Don will play Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson, who arrives on the idyllic island from London and isn’t overly pleased with his new surroundings.
Filming has already gotten underway on the French island of Guadeloupe, with Don joining returning Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington,