Death in Paradise: Why One Cast Member Is ‘Annoyed’ by an Original Star’s 2024 Return
It looks like there's some drama brewing in the Caribbean! Death in Paradise, the beloved BBC crime drama, is celebrating its 100th episode with a big surprise—an original cast member is back. But not everyone on set is thrilled about it. In fact, the show’s lead actor, Ralf Little, who plays Neville Parker, admitted he’s a bit “annoyed” by this unexpected return.
An Original Cast Member Makes a Comeback
More than a decade has passed since Sean Maguire first appeared as Marlon Collins in Death in Paradise. Now, he's back to reprise his role for a special episode that aired on Sunday, February 4th. Fans of the show have been eagerly anticipating this reunion, but it turns out that Ralf Little, who has been leading the show since 2020, had mixed feelings about it.
Why Is Ralf Little Annoyed by Sean Maguire’s Return?
Speaking to the press before the episode aired, Ralf Little shared his thoughts on Maguire’s return. “It was very exciting to see Sean back,” he said, acknowledging the thrill of reuniting with an original cast member. But he also added, “I’m slightly annoyed though because he’s now the only other person apart from me to have done the show twice.”
Why the annoyance? Well, Little has a unique distinction on the show—he’s played two different characters over the years. Before taking on the role of Neville Parker, Little appeared as a different character in a 2014 episode. Maguire’s return as the same character might seem like a challenge to that personal milestone.
Easter Egg for Die-Hard Fans
For the dedicated fans who have been watching Death in Paradise since the beginning, Maguire’s return is like finding a hidden Easter egg. Little hinted that only “eagle-eyed viewers” would notice Maguire’s reappearance since the episode doesn’t make a big deal out of it. “The fact he’s back after so long is not really referenced in the episode,” Little explained, making it a subtle nod to the show’s long history.
Sean Maguire’s Return: What It Means for the Show
Despite his initial annoyance, Ralf Little had nothing but praise for Sean Maguire. “I’ve met Sean a handful of times, and I just loved him. He was fun, funny, professional, and a brilliant actor,” he said. It’s clear that Maguire’s return, while unexpected, brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement to the show’s milestone episode.
Guest Stars You Don’t Want to Miss
But that’s not all! The new series of Death in Paradise is packed with guest stars that are sure to catch your attention. Legendary actress Hayley Mills is among them, along with Richard Fleeshman and Pearce Quigley. Little even confessed to being starstruck by Mills, calling her “a living legend of the industry.”
He added, “With somebody who has that reputation and experience, it wouldn’t be outside the realms of possibility for her to be diva-ish, difficult, demanding, but she was the most gentle, professional, sweet, fun, funny, gregarious person… just the dream!”
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Disappointment
While fans are buzzing about Sean Maguire’s return, not everyone is satisfied. There’s been some disappointment among viewers due to the absence of a long-standing character. This reaction even caught the attention of the episode’s director, who addressed the concerns.
Conclusion: The Future of Death in Paradise
As Death in Paradise continues to captivate audiences, the return of original cast members and the introduction of new guest stars keep the show fresh and exciting. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, there's plenty to look forward to in this beloved series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is Ralf Little annoyed by Sean Maguire’s return to Death in Paradise?
Ralf Little expressed slight annoyance because Sean Maguire is now the only other actor besides him to have appeared on the show twice. Little takes pride in being the only actor to play two different characters on the show, which is why Maguire's return as the same character felt like a challenge to that milestone.
Q2: Who is Sean Maguire, and what character does he play on Death in Paradise?
Sean Maguire is an actor who originally appeared in Death in Paradise when the show first aired in 2010. He played the character Marlon Collins, and he returned to reprise this role for the show’s 100th episode.
Q3: When did Ralf Little first appear on Death in Paradise?
Ralf Little first appeared on Death in Paradise in 2014 as a guest star playing a different character. He later joined the show as the lead character, Neville Parker, in 2020.
Q4: Which guest stars are featured in the new series of Death in Paradise?
The new series of Death in Paradise features several notable guest stars, including Hayley Mills, Richard Fleeshman, and Pearce Quigley.
Q5: What is significant about the 100th episode of Death in Paradise?
The 100th episode of Death in Paradise marks a major milestone for the show. To celebrate, the episode includes the return of original cast member Sean Maguire, which is a special treat for long-time fans of the series.
Q6: Where and when can I watch Death in Paradise?
Death in Paradise airs on BBC One at 9 PM on Sundays. The show is also available for streaming on the BBC iPlayer.
Q7: How long has Death in Paradise been on air?
Death in Paradise premiered in 2011 and has been a fan-favorite for over a decade, consistently delivering engaging mysteries set against the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean.
Q8: Will there be more returns of original cast members in future episodes?
There’s no official word on whether more original cast members will return, but the show’s producers have always been open to surprise appearances, so anything is possible!