Death in Paradise Viewers Speculate on Ralf Little's Replacement
Death in Paradise fans are buzzing with theories about who will replace Ralf Little as the show's lead detective following his departure at the end of season 13. Despite the untimely demise of a character, one name that keeps popping up is John Marquez.
John Marquez: A Familiar Face
John Marquez is no stranger to Death in Paradise fans. He featured in a couple of episodes back in 2017, playing the role of Tom Lewis. Although his character met a grim fate, that hasn't stopped fans from speculating about his return as a new character.
In a Facebook fan group, one member suggested, "I think John Marquez who played PC Joe Penhale in Doc Martin would be brilliant as the new Detective Inspector." This sparked a lively debate, with another fan pointing out that Marquez's previous character was killed off in season 6, episode "Man Overboard."
However, another fan countered, "You guys have obviously never watched soap operas. There is always a way to bring them back as a different character or maybe elude to the resemblance to the previous deceased character."
Fans seem excited about the prospect, with one agreeing, "I thought about him as well," and another chiming in, "Oh yes brilliant idea, best I've seen so far." Another fan admitted, "Hadn't thought of John, think he would be good," as the conversation on social media heated up.
Ralf Little's Departure
Ralf Little, who has played DI Neville Parker since 2020, has become the longest-serving detective in the show's history, clocking in four years. At 44, the former Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps actor decided to retire from the role, leaving fans eager to find out who will take his place.
Potential Replacements
As speculation mounts, it's Simon Bird who's currently tipped as the frontrunner to step into Ralf's shoes. Betfred is offering odds of 5/4 on the actor, suggesting there's a 44% chance he'll snag the role.
Simon, age 39, is renowned for his hilarious turn as Will McKenzie in the hit comedy The Inbetweeners, which has scooped multiple awards. Hot on his heels is Matthew Horne, who's also in the running with a 16.7% shot at the coveted role, known for his beloved portrayal of Gavin Shipman in the award-winning sitcom Gavin and Stacey.
Conclusion
Death in Paradise fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of Ralf Little's replacement, and the speculation is rife. While John Marquez's name keeps popping up, Simon Bird and Matthew Horne are also strong contenders for the role of the show's new lead detective. As the search continues, fans can't wait to see who will take on the mantle and continue the legacy of this beloved BBC series.
FAQ
Why did Ralf Little leave Death in Paradise? Ralf Little decided to retire from the role of DI Neville Parker after four years, feeling that his character's story deserved a proper conclusion.
Who are the frontrunners to replace Ralf Little? Simon Bird, known for his role in The Inbetweeners, is currently tipped as the frontrunner, with odds of 5/4. Matthew Horne, famous for Gavin and Stacey, is also in the running with 16.7% odds.
Can a previously killed-off character return as a new character? While it's unusual, some fans believe that John Marquez, who played a character that died in an earlier season, could return as a new character, drawing parallels to soap opera storylines.
