Sunday marked the end of an era for Death In Paradise fans as little ralfDI Neville Parker finally left the picturesque island of Saint Marie with DS Florence Cassell.
The actor’s final episode drew a line under a protracted ‘will they, won’t they’ storyline, with the lovelorn Parker facing a race against time to tell Cassell how he felt before bidding farewell to the island and setting sail for new pastures.
Little’s departure will be a loss for fans of the bbc show, having followed it through 39 episodes since its arrival in 2020.
The BBC confirmed its leading lady had left the show after Sunday’s emotional finale, 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.
“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.”
But as Parker leaves crime-solving in the Caribbean behind and prepares for a new life, what were his best moments as Saint Marie’s resident detective? He reads on to find out.
Little had big shoes to fill when he replaced the outgoing Ardal O’Hanlon on Saint Marie midway through the show’s ninth season.
1. THE ARRIVAL (2020)
Little had big shoes to fill when he replaced the outgoing Ardal O’Hanlon on Saint Marie midway through the show’s ninth season.
The actor was given a baptism of fire after DI Parker, who suffers from a number of allergies, was called to investigate an apparent suicide at a local hotel.
But it soon becomes clear that foul play was involved, and Parker had to solve a puzzle after discovering that there was no way for the killer to leave the suite as the bedroom and bathroom doors were locked from the inside.
However, the mystery is soon solved thanks to some solid detective work, giving Parker the opportunity to instantly endear himself to the show’s loyal fans.
What would soon become an overarching story began when DS Cassel, played by French actress Joséphine Jobert, returned to the island to fill a vacant sergeant position.
2. THE RETURN OF FLORENCIA CASSEL (2021)
What would soon become an overarching story began when DS Cassel, played by French actress Joséphine Jobert, returned to the island to fill a vacant sergeant position.
But Parker’s introduction to his handsome new colleague is inauspicious, as Cassel is initially unaware of his many problems, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a past struggle with depression.
The pair finally join forces to solve another case, this time the mysterious death of a prominent local television reporter, whose body is found floating in her pool.
Parker finds himself on the wrong side of the law after being framed for the murder of esteemed criminologist David Cartwright.
3. BEHIND BARS (2023)
Parker finds himself on the wrong side of the law after being framed for the murder of esteemed criminologist David Cartwright.
When the investigating officer, DI Karen Flitcroft, incorrectly concluded that only he could have committed the crime, Parker was charged with murder and quickly taken to prison while awaiting trial.
With time running out and Parker facing a lengthy prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, the team finally discovers who the real culprit is, but it’s still bad news for the hapless detective…
A two-part story ended in Parker’s heartbreak after the detective discovers he has been cheated on by his cheating girlfriend Sophie Chambers, played by Chelsea Edge.
4. SOPHIE RUMBANTE (2023)
A two-part story ended in Parker’s heartbreak after the detective discovers he has been cheated on by his cheating girlfriend Sophie Chambers, played by Chelsea Edge.
To the detective’s dismay, he discovers that it was Sophie who killed David Cartwright, and that the motive goes back to Parker’s past.
Later, the heartbroken detective visits Sophie in prison to ask her if any of her relationships had been genuine on her part, only to discover that she never had romantic feelings for him.
5. A CRISIS OF TRUST (2023)
Chastened by his initial failure to convince Sophie, Neville suffers a crisis of confidence and decides to leave Saint Marie.
But despite discovering that the imprisoned killer had deceived him from the beginning, Parker eventually manages to solve the case after discovering how the murder was committed.
His success gives him renewed confidence and, with it, a change of heart regarding his decision to move away from the island.
Parker’s developing feelings for Cassell were dealt a blow when she left the show for a second time in 2022 after apprehending serial killer Miranda Priestley.
The detective shared an emotional moment with his former colleague before she left the island, presumably for good.
6. GOODBYE FLORENCE (2022)
Parker’s burgeoning feelings for Cassell suffered a blow when she left the show for a second time in 2022 after apprehending serial killer Miranda Priestley during a sting operation.
The detective shared an emotional moment with his former colleague before she left the island, presumably for good.
But not everything is what it seems…
7. 100 EPISODES (2023)
Parker had the dubious honor of solving yet another murder when the show celebrated its 100th episode in 2023.
In fact, the detective finds himself on the case after Commissioner Patterson, celebrating fifty years of service in the local police force, is shot while visiting the Saint Marie yacht club.
The special episode also confirms that Parker has strong feelings for Cassell, and the detective is seen removing a photo of his colleague from one of his drawers.
8. A BLAST FROM THE PAST (2023)
Parker is stunned after creating a blog and bonding with one of his first followers, only to discover she’s an ex-girlfriend.
The detective’s connection with his mysterious follower, known only as SunChaser, had started promisingly, and the pair bonded over a love of pub quizzes.
But once bitten twice by shyness, and after his painful experience with Sophie, he decides to investigate SunChaser’s true identity.
As if by chance, Parker runs into Zoe, an ex from his recent past who he hasn’t spoken to in over four years.
“I’m so sorry to show up like this,” he tells her. It’s a very curious thing, actually, and you’ll probably think it’s a little crazy.
Events soon go awry when Zoe confirms that she is the enigmatic SunsetChaser, leaving the detective speechless.
9. A WELCOME RETURN (2024)