**Warning: Spoilers **
Fans of BBC crime thriller Death in Paradise were in tears following Ralf Little’s dramatic farewell episode.
The 44-year-old actor has the longest run as a detective on the programme, having played DI Neville Parker for four years. He follows in the sandy footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, and Ardal O’Hanlon.
In the final episode of the 13th season, Neville and DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) bid farewell to the programme.
It was a rollercoaster hour in which Neville was forced to doubt his sanity in a twisting murder case and, perhaps more crucially, his personal decisions about Florence.
Fans were first outraged when Neville’respectfully rejected’ Florence’s love approaches on the beach.
Giving off strong Notting Hill vibes, Neville admitted he was frightened of his heart hurting again if their relationship didn’t work out.
‘I cant help feeling for my own self preservation I should probably bow out now. I just feel like the fall back down would be even bumpier the second time around,’ he told her.
However, following a good old intervention from his friends, Neville hurried to Florence in the final five minutes, recognising that life is incomplete without taking chances.
In true romantic comedy style, just she was leaving the island, he caught her just in time and declared: ‘I don’t need promises, I don’t need guarantees. If the unknown is all you have to offer that’s good enough for me.
‘Whatever happens, wherever it leads, all I want is for us to take a leap together.’
The closing shot depicted the couple holding hands on a boat, gazing out into the boundless horizon.
Fans were understandably upset.
‘That was emotional. I nearly cried,’ said X user @Jonjo_Ward, while @laurabaiileys commented: ‘happpy tears!!’
‘I’m actually in tears here,’ added @LelJoyce.
Outside of the plot, fans were heartbroken to see Ralf depart the series, as many regarded him as one of the finest detectives of all time.
‘Actually bit annoyed Ralf Little is leaving to be honest’ wrote @Catsmoo84 while @vxdkairwin agreed and said: ‘Actually gutted this is Ralfs last episode he’s been such a good detective I can’t imagine anyone replacing him.’
Death in Paradise newbie @josephfelldown wrote: ‘I’ve only really watched Ralf Little’s series, so this is my first detective departure. I wasn’t expecting it to be this sad.’
With a 14th season secured and a Christmas special on the horizon, Ralph’s departure has left many wondering who will fill the position.
According to bookmaker Betfred, The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird, 39, is the frontrunner to succeed Ralph, with odds of 4/1.
A Christmas special wedding, right? #DeathInParadise Another cracking series, pure escapism to Saint Marie with a very happy ending. @deathinparadise
— Steve Waldron (@Stevewal63) March 24, 2024
How are we going to brighten up the dreaded Sunday nights now that #DeathInParadise is finished for another series
— Amy (@amyx1990) March 24, 2024
I’m actually in tears here #DeathInParadise
— Estella Joyce (@LelJoyce) March 24, 2024
Diane Morgan, 48, of Motherland, is currently the second favourite to take over at 7/1 odds.
Other options mentioned include Jodie Whittaker, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, and Gavin and Stacey’s Mathew Horne.
Neville joined the Saint Marie police force in 2020, succeeding DI Jack Mooney (O’Hanlon).
Tim Key, Executive Producer for Red Planet Pictures, said on Ralf’s departure: ‘Joining a successful show like Death in Paradise as the lead is a daunting and risky prospect, but Ralf’s confidence and talent shone through from day one and the audience response to Neville and his journey has been amazing.
‘I can’t thank Ralf enough for everything he has brought to the show, on and off screen, and wish him all the very best for the future.’
Ralf said: ‘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.
He added the future of the programme is in ‘good hands’ and he “can’t wait to see what happens next”.
The casting of Death In Paradise’s new lead actor will be announced in due course.
Source My Celebrity Life.