Fans of BBC crime drama Death in Paradise were left in tears after Ralf Little’s emotional final ever episode (spoilers ahead).
From four years in the role of DI Neville Parker, the 44-year-old actor boasts the longest stint as detective on the show as he followed in the sandy footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall and Ardal O’Hanlon.
The 13th series marks the end of an era for the show, as the final episode saw Neville finally sail into the sunset with DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) after her epic return to the series.
It was a rollercoaster hour Neville was forced to question his sanity in a twisting murder case and – perhaps more importantly – his life choices when it came to Florence.
Initially, fans were tearing their hair out when Neville ‘respectfully declines’ Florence’s romantic advances in a devastating moment on the beach.
Giving some serious Notting Hill vibes, Neville confessed he was afraid of his heart breaking once more if their relationship wasn’t to 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, after a good old intervention from his pals, Neville rushed to Florence in the last five minutes after realising life is nothing without taking risks.
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 final scene showed the pair holding hands on a boat, looking into the endless horizon.
Naturally, fans were in bits.
‘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 storyline, fans were gutted to see Ralf leave the series as many heralded him as one of the best ever detectives.
‘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 confirmed and a Christmas special on the way Ralph’s exit from the role has left many wondering who will be the one to fill it.
According to bookmakers Betfred, The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird, 39, is favourite to take over from Ralph, with odds of 4/1.
Motherland star Diane Morgan, 48, is second favourite to take over so far, with odds of 7/1.
Other names on the grapevine include Jodie Whittaker, comedian Romesh Ranganathan and Gavin and Stacey’s Mathew Horne.
Neville joined the Saint Marie police team in 2020, taking over from DI Jack Mooney (O’Hanlon).
On Ralf’s exit, Executive Producer for Red Planet Pictures Tim Key said: ‘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.
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