Ralf Little has broken his silence following the announcement that Don Gilet will succeed him as head of the BBC’s Death In Paradise.
Put on57 years old, will make his debut in a feature film Christmas special later this year, before a brand new series in 2025.
Announcing the news on Thursday, Death Of Paradise’s official Instagram account shared: “We have some really exciting news…there’s a new detective in Sainte Marie!
“Please give a very warm welcome to Don Gilet as he plays DI Mervin Wilson! »
And Ralf was quick to send his support to the star, replying: “Have a wonderful time Don! It’s a magical experience.
Death in Paradise star Ralf Little has broken his silence as his replacement is revealed to be soap villain Don Gilet.
Don, 57, will make his debut as DI Mervin Wilson in a feature-length Christmas special later this year, ahead of a brand new series in 2025.
Ralf’s character, DI Neville Parker, said goodbye to St. Mary’s Island at the end of March, leaving viewers in tears.
His departure came as a shock to fans, with the BBC only confirming that the actor had left the series after the finale aired.
Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast last month, the star admitted he had always planned for this series to be his last and felt he had to leave for the sake of his character.
He told hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt: “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.
“If it was just a decision of the heart, I would have wanted to do it for 20 more years.
“But just for the show and for my character Neville, I kind of felt like his story was over and his journey deserved to be completed. He deserved a happy ending and that felt right.
As Ralf passes the torch to Don, Don said: “Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious gem has been placed in my hands.
“It’s a great show, with a big heart and the love just keeps growing. I intend to never lose sight of this and remain grateful, humble and dedicated.
As the official Death Of Paradise Instagram account announced the news on Thursday, Ralf was quick to send his support.
Ralf’s character, DI Neville Parker, said goodbye to the island of Sainte Marie at the end of March, leaving viewers in tears
Speaking about his exit on BBC Breakfast last month, the star admitted he always planned for this series to be his last and felt he had to leave for the sake of his character.
Fans were confused about the choice after Don’s first appearance on the show in 2015 – when Kris Marshall was the detective – as a murderer who killed the owner of a rum distillery during a seance .
“Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to get off set and dive into the sea, the pool, or an ice-cold beer – whichever comes closest at that moment!”
The star, also known for his appearances in EastEnders and Sherwood, began filming in Guadeloupe, alongside Death in Paradise regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules.
However, Death In Paradise fans felt confused about the decision to cast Don as he previously appeared on the show in a different role.
Don first appeared on the show in 2015 – when Kris Marshall was the detective – as a murderer who killed the owner of a rum distillery during a seance.
Eagle-eyed fans have taken to X – formerly Twitter – to share their confusion as Don now returns as a detective.
Fans took to
One user reflected: “Ah ha, it was in series 4 Ep1, I got rid of 2 people! I think avid fans wouldn’t notice! But welcome anyway Don Gilet, you’re going to be great, because you’re such a fabulous actor. I have to admit that some brilliant actors have come through Death in Paradise.
Others added: “I like it but I guess it throws the unexpected out of the window.”; “He’s already been involved in this story as the assassin of his boss at a rum distillery… Why do TV shows have to keep doing this? I love Death in Paradise but now I can’t watch him because I just see him in the role he played.” he.’;
“It’s reminiscent of Columbo… an actor who played a killer who later returns as someone else!”; ‘Yeah, I didn’t like that either, it’s not that hard to maintain continuity.’;
“Are they going to acknowledge his previous involvement in the show, or just make him a new character? Twin perhaps?’; “Wasn’t he a murderer in season 4? How are they going to explain this one? “Wasn’t he already a bad guy in all this?” In the episode Mama Beth?
