As with many TV shows, Death in Paradise aired a Christmas special in 2024. However, a very popular character and actor were not present for the special as he decided it was time to leave.
Discover our latest podcast
Indeed, Ralf Little, who is also known for his role in The Royle Family, announced he was leaving the murder mystery show after five seasons. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ralf explained his reasoning for leaving the show.
As Ralf Little didn’t do the Christmas special, it allowed his replacement to make his debut. Don Gilet has taken over and is set to play Detective Inspector (DI) Mervin Wilson.
Ralf Little quit Death in Paradise
As mentioned above, Ralf Little decided it was time to hang up his detective badge and leave behind Detective Inspector Neville Parker. As per Mirror, the actor announced in March 2024 that he was leaving the show after playing his character for five years.
When Little took on the role of DI Neville Parker, he claimed it was his ‘dream job’ and it took him a matter of seconds to accept the role. Ralf Little took over from Ardal O'Hanlon, who played DI Jack Mooney.
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.
Speaking about his departure from the show, Little explained that it was always the plan to leave after his fifth series.
You know, 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.
He does admit if he left the decision to his heart he would do it ‘for 20 more years’. Nonetheless, he decided it was the right time and his character’s journey ‘deserved to be completed’.
He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right.
Don Gilet was ‘terrified’ of taking over
Following Ralf Little’s exit, Don Gilet from Eastenders took over as the new lead detective, portraying DI Mervin Wilson. As reported by Hello!, Don was ‘terrified but ‘excited’ to be the new lead.
He compared his new role to ‘those scary rides at a theme park’, explaining he knew it would be ‘scary’ but he still wanted to do it.
I liken it to one of those scary rides at a theme park. I'm going on it, and I know it's going to be scary, but I'm going to do it.
He added that he was excited to ‘embark on this new journey’ despite the pressure.
You're daring yourself. Then you sit in the seat going, 'What have I just let myself in for?'. But it was exciting because I knew I was embarking on this new journey.
When the Christmas special aired with Don Gilet as the new lead, viewers took to social media to comment on the new character. Naturally, opinions were divided, some wanting Ralf Little to return, while others loved DI Melvin Wilson.
One user wrote:
Bring back Neville! Not sure I like this new DI!
While another added that she was unsure but they felt the same when Ralf Little started:
Really enjoyed the Christmas special of @deahtinparadise this evening, but I just don't know about the new DI he hasn't warmed to me yet, I was like this when Neville came I hated him so much but ended up really liking him.
Others were much more positive with the new character:
It was great #DeathInParadise missed Neville, but the new DI is going to fit right in.'
Loved Don Gilet in the show
Read more:
Coronation Street's Helen Worth leaving the show after 50 years: Her salary revealed
David Attenborough: BBC issues statement after viewers get concerned about his voice in new show
Sources used:
Mirror: ‘Why Ralf Little really quit Death in Paradise as replacement Don Gilet says character 'not liked'
Hello!: ‘Death In Paradise's Don Gilet 'terrified' to replace Ralf Little: 'What have I just let myself in for?'
Hello!: ‘Death in Paradise fans are saying the same thing about Don Gilet's debut’
Daily Mail: ‘Death In Paradise fans all make the same demand to BBC bosses as Don Gilet makes 'shocking' debut’
