Death in Paradise Ralf Little's replacement tipped as Line of Duty star

A Line of Duty star has been tipped to replace Ralf Little on Death in Paradise.

Ralf, 44, stepped down from the BBC programme earlier this year, bowing out as Detective Inspector Neville Parker at the end of series 13. The actor made his debut as the lead detective in 2020.

After four years starring on the crime comedy drama, Ralf became the longest-serving DI on the series since it first kicked off in 2011.

Since his departure, viewers have been speculating who will be stepping into the shoes of Saint Marie's lead detective.

Viewers have now thrown Craig Parkinson's name into the ring. This would be familiar territory for the actor as he is best knwon for playing DI Matthew "Dot" Cottan in BBC's Line of Duty.

Sharing their theories on a Facebook group, one person posted a photo Dot in Line of Duty and suggested the 48-year-old would be perfect for the role.

They wrote: "Craig Parkinson (aka Dot Cottan in L.O.D), he can bring a brand of eccentric behaviour that would entertain."

Meanwhile, Simon Bird is the bookies' favourite to take on the role. With odds of 5/4, Betfred has given the actor a 44 percent chance of being named. The 39-year-old is best known for his portrayal Will McKenzie in the multi-award-winning comedy series The Inbetweeners.

It comes after Death in Paradise star Tahj Di Nero announced his new role following his exit from the show. The 22-year-old starred as Marlon Pryce between 2021 and 2024.

While fans were devastated over his departure, he will soon be back on screens as he is set to appear in the upcoming BBC drama, Mr Loverman.

Based on Booker prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo's novel, Mr Loverman follows Barrington Jedidiah Walker, a 74-year-old man forced to hide his passionate affair with his best friend and soulmate, Morris, from Carmel, his wife of 50 years.

Tahj is taking on a mysterious new character named Daniel in the new production, playing the grandson of Barrington and Carmel.