DI Jack Mooney (played by Ardal O’Hanlon) has solved his very last case on the island of Saint Marie and has made way for DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) to join the team. Death In Paradise viewers have seen a number of detectives come and go on the island and after three years it was time for Ardal to step away from the show after initially joining the cast to replace DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall).
Ralf is now the fourth lead detective to join the island after Ben Miller opened the series as DI Richard Poole.
BBC viewers were saddened when Ardal announced he would be leaving but spoilers pictures of Ralf stepping into his shoes were met with positive comments.
Speaking to press, including Express.co.uk, Ralf has revealed how he feels about becoming the latest lead detective on Saint Marie.
When asked how he feels about replacing Ardal, Ralf began: “I love the show. I mean it was a joy.”
Read more: Death in Paradise: ‘Rookie error’ Fans spot major phone blunder
“I feel very honoured and flattered,” he continued. “They’re big shoes to fill, I think he’s fantastic.
“I was out there for two and a half months [last] summer and I just had the absolute time of my life.”
“I loved it,” he remarked. “Ardal’s shoes are big to fill and the show itself is absolutely adored.”
The actor explained it was a “huge responsibility” but he’s glad to be given the opportunity.
“The ones you really want you’ve got to forget about or you’ll drive yourself mad.”
“Never thought anything of it,” he continued. “And about 10 days later I got a phone call from my agent who said: ‘You’re going to be the new detective in Death In Paradise.’
“There was not one part of me that was cool about it, you know there was no, ‘Well, you know, it’s just another day another job,’ I was just absolutely delighted.”
Elsewhere, fans hit out at the BBC show after Jack’s departure from the island aired.