DEATH in Paradise star Ralf Little has broken his silence after it was announced he has been replaced as the Detective Inspector in a Christmas special.
Former EastEnders star Don Gilet is set to be the show’s next leading man and was unveiled earlier today.
Death In Paradise’s Instagram account shared the news today and said: “We’ve got some really exciting news… there’s a new detective in Saint Marie!
“Please give a very warm welcome to Don Gilet who will play DI Mervin Wilson!”
And Ralf threw his support behind the casting, as he replied: “Have a wonderful time Don! It’s a magical experience.”
The role is in good hands with Don – who became a soap legend for his incredible portrayal of religous fanatic and murderer Lucas in EastEnders.
He recently acted alongside Jason Statham in the action thriller The Beekeeper.
He was announced for the BBC hit following an intense amount of speculation over who would land the coveted role.
Despite his credentials, some viewers are not happy.
Taking to the show’s subreddit, one fan wrote: “Still not a female lead!
“Hopefully he’s not as much of a klutz as Neville because I grew sick of those antics during his run and fell off after his second season.”
“Wouldn’t mind someone a bit more mature with a more mentor-like role for the cast, more like Jack,” another said.
Meanwhile, an eagle-eyed fan pointed out that Don has stepped foot into fictional Saint Marie before.
He guest-starred in series four, episode one “Stab in the Dark” as the character Andre Morgan.
Other viewers were more excited by the news.
Another said: “Totally didn’t expect Don! What a brilliant choice!!! Excited to see what he does with the role!!”
A third viewer tweeted today: “Oh thank God they made a good choice! I was so worried we’d get a dud even though they never have.”
Don will play Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson who arrives in Saint Marie from London.
The actor will be introduced onscreen to fans during Death in Paradise‘s Christmas special this year before the 14th series kicks off in 2025.
Revealing his decision to leave, Ralf said last week “If it was just a heart decision I would have wanted to do it for 20 more years.
“But just for the show and for my character Neville it just sort of felt like his story was finished and his journey deserved to be completed.
“He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right.”
Speaking about joining the drama, he said: “As an actor you’re used to going ‘Oh well didn’t get that one. Oh great I got that one,’ and you try not to get to excited or disappointed as a way to keep your sanity.
“But when I got that one there was some celebrations for sure.
“I mean who doesn’t want to work in the Caribbean on one of the most beloved shows that I was a fan of before I went on it.”
After his final episode aired on March 25, Ralf told his Instagram following: “So, there you have it! The secret’s out! My time on Saint Marie has come to an end. But, what an end!
“New adventures await Neville and he got to sail off into the sunset with his best friend, and, you know, who knows what happens for them next!
“I just want to say, just an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show.”
His final scenes saw him rushing to be with fan favourite DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert).
Series 13 offered a happy ending to their ‘will they, wont they’ storyline.
