Ralf Little leaves Death in Paradise – where is he from and what else has he been in?

BBC’s Death in Paradise has said goodbye to its lead actor, Bury-born Ralf Little, after four years. 

Ralf Little joined the show in 2020, taking the helm from Ardal O’Hanlon. He played Neville Parker, the resident detective inspector on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, a British Overseas Territory. 

During his time on the show, Ralf’s character had his fair share of ups and downs. Some of the more exciting moments include an attempt to frame him for murder and his will-they-won’t-they relationship with DS Florence Cassell.

Ralf took to Instagram after the season 13 finale aired, to thank viewers. He said: “I just want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show.

“When I arrived four and half years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill, and coming into a series beloved by millions, including me, was a huge responsibility and I had no idea whether viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville’s character and, indeed, to me. So it was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming and has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you, and to share his really quite profound journey with you. 

“I can’t thank you all enough for the support over the last four and half years, and, as Neville heads off for new challenges and adventures, and I head off for new challenges and adventures, when I look back at the time I spent on Death in Paradise, and the way everyone took Neville into their hearts has been one of the magical and profound experiences of my entire life, and if it wasn’t for all of you I would have never got to do it, so thank you so much."

He also thanked his castmates and the crew for all their work, assuring fans that the show is “in good hands” and that he will be watching season 14 along with them. 

Death in Paradise is one of the most-watched TV shows in the UK, reaching around eight million people each week. The show’s success has led to a spin-off series, Beyond Paradise, which premiered in February 2024. Ralf Little’s replacement as the DI of Saint Marie is yet to be announced. 

Who is Ralf Little and where did he grow up?

Ralf Little was born in Bury in 1980. He went to Bolton School and then started studying medicine at the University of Manchester only to drop out shortly after to focus on acting. 

He had a few small roles during the 1990s in shows like Heartbeat and The Ward, but his big break came in 1998, when he landed the role of Antony Royle in the much-loved show The Royle Family, which is set Wythenshawe. One of the other highlights of his TV career include the BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and Packet of Crisps, where he starred alongside Will Mellor, Sheridan Smith and Natalie Casey. 

He has also appeared in several films over the years including 24 Hour Party People, in which he played Joy Division bassist Peter Hook, Telstar: The Joe Meek Story and Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey?!

Outside of acting, Ralf has also played semi-professional football. He has played in numerous celebrity matches, as well as for Maidstone United and Chertsey Town.