Ralf Little’s final episode for Death In Paradise aired on Sunday night, leaving viewers in tears when the story of his exit was finally revealed.
Following fears that his character DI Neville Parker was planning to leave Saint Marie Island alone, the final scenes of season 13 saw him rush to be with fan-favourite DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) after that his story of ‘them, right?’ her emotional conclusion.
After an intervention from his friends and colleagues, Neville ran to the harbor to tell Florence how he felt, leaving viewers in tears when he declared: “If the unknown is all you have to offer, then that’s enough for me.” All I want is for us to be together.’
The final scene saw the two sailing off into the sunset together.
Ralf Little’s final episode for Death In Paradise aired on Sunday night and left viewers in tears when the story of his exit was finally revealed.
Following fears that his character DI Neville Parker was planning to leave Saint Marie Island alone, the final scenes of season 13 saw him rush to be with fan-favourite DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) .
At the beginning of the episode, Neville was on a plane to Dominica when he spoke to a man who later ended up dead on a beach with a gunshot wound to the chest, prompting him to return. to Santa María to investigate the death.
However, his happy ending with Florence did not seem certain with his return to the island, as he told her that he still wanted to leave the island alone.
Fortunately, Neville’s colleagues staged an intervention, in which the protagonist finally acted on his feelings for Florence.
Viewers decided it was the perfect ending for the two characters, with one tweeting: “I’m sobbing. Neville and Florence sailing into the sun together was the perfect ending for both of them.”
‘#DeathInParadise finally managed to reunite a couple! It only took about 14 years!’ agreed another.
‘MY GOD. I can not believe it. They’re going to travel together,’ shouted another, but one more was interested to know if this was just a short break for the couple: ‘It’s just a quick holiday around the islands, right?’ They’re coming back, right? #DeathInParadise’
The BBC confirmed that Ralf left the show after the finale aired, and Red Planet Pictures executive producer Tim Key paid tribute to his lead actor.
“Joining a hit show like Death in Paradise as a lead is a daunting and risky prospect, but Ralf’s confidence and talent shone through from day one and the public response to Neville and his journey has been incredible,” he said.
After an intervention from his friends and colleagues, Neville ran to the harbor to tell Florence how he felt, leaving onlookers in tears.
The final scene saw the two sailing off into the sunset together and viewers praised “the perfect ending.”
At the beginning of the episode, Neville was on a plane to Dominica when he spoke to a man who later ended up dead on a beach with a gunshot wound to the chest.
“I can’t thank Ralf enough for everything he has brought to the show, on and off screen, and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Ralf was the longest-lasting lead, following in the footsteps of Ben Miller, Kris Marshall and Ardal O’Hanlon, who played the iconic role, with producers now looking for his replacement.
A fourteenth season has already been commissioned and a Christmas special is planned with filming to take place in the coming months.
Ralf, 44, previously described playing the show’s lead role as a “dream role”, emphasizing the quality of the show and dismissing the idea of it being a “guilty pleasure”.
In 2021 he said: “I’m still trying to gently deflect the narrative from that phrase. What is there to be guilty of? It is a high quality show, with a complex murder with new characters and a mystery that must be solved and they do it all in one hour.
And it looks beautiful. A murder has never been so pleasant. It is an incredible achievement. “It’s something I’m very proud of.”
Viewers decided it was the perfect ending for the two characters, with one tweeting: “I’m sobbing, Neville and Florence sailing into the sun together was the perfect ending.”
The series, set on the island of Saint Marie, was the BBC’s third biggest drama in the UK in 2023, just behind Happy Valley and Doctor Who.
The drama has had great global success, reaching more than 240 territories. Its 100th episode will air during the current season.
Since it was announced that Ralf, 44, would be leaving the show after four years as Saint Marie’s lead detective, rumors have circulated about who will replace him.
A host of stars have been chosen as follows: Simon Bird, from The Inbetweeners, is the bookies’ favourite.
Betfred’s chance of Simon, 39, taking on the role is 5/4, with a 44 per cent chance. Meanwhile, the second star most likely to step in is Diane Morgan, best known for her iconic character Philomena Cunk. .