Death in Paradise new detective 'sealed' as fans predict former star's return

Death in Paradise fans have been speculating who the new main detective will be since Ralf Little confirmed his exit from the BBC show.

By Jennie Buzaglo, Showbiz Reporter

09:46, Tue, Apr 16, 2024 | UPDATED: 11:07, Tue, Apr 16, 2024

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Death in Paradise fans have come up with a new theory that the next detective will be introduced at Christmas. Ever since Ralf Little confirmed he was stepping down from the role of Neville Parker, viewers have been speculating who will replace him.

Ralf, 44, bid farewell to the show at the end of series 13. A 14th series has already been comissioned by the BBC and filming of a Christmas special is set to take place in the coming months.

Following news of the festive episode, one viewer suggested that Humphrey Goodman could be making a return before the official detective is revealed.

Ralf Little as Neville Parker

Ralf Little stepped down from Death in Paradise earlier this year (Image: BBC)

Humphrey was played by Kris Marshall from 2014 until 2017 before he reprised the role in the spin-off, Beyond Paradise in 2023. Beyond Paradise follows Humphrey after he left Saint Marie to be with Martha Lloyd, played by Sally Bretton.

After becoming engaged, the couple move to Martha's hometown of Shipton Abbott where Humphrey joins the local police force.

Although he appeared to leave Saint Marie behind, viewers believe the Detective Inspector could be hauled back into the drama once again.

Writing on Facebook, they said: "We won't meet the new DI until the end of the episode, if at all, and the Xmas special will feature Humphrey and Martha, as Humphrey, on his honeymoon on San Marie, gets dragged by the Commissioner into a murder investigation as no DI yet."

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Kris Marshall as Humphrey Goodman

Viewers have theorised that Humphrey Goodman could return to Death in Paradise (Image: BBC)

There has been plenty of speculation about Ralf's successor, with Simon Bird up there as the bookies favourite. Betfred has given the actor odds of 5/4 meaning he has a 44 percent chance of being named.

The 39-year-old is best known for his portrayal Will McKenzie in the multi-award-winning comedy series The Inbetweeners. Closely behind Simon is Matthew Horne who has a 16.7 percent chance of landing the gig.

The actor is famed for playing Gavin Shipman in the double-BAFTA-winning series Gavin & Stacey.