Yahoo News Death in Paradise confirms Ardal O'Hanlon's replacement as DI
Death in Paradise has finally confirmed who will replace Ardal O'Hanlon.
And as many fans had speculated, it is indeed The Royle Family star Ralf Little, who takes on the brand new role of Detective Inspector Neville Parker.
The character will be dispatched to the island of Saint Marie (reluctantly) to investigate the mysterious death of a woman from his hometown of Manchester.
"It took less than 0.005 seconds to say yes to playing the new DI! How could I not?" the actor said.
"Ardal has been wonderful in the last few series and to follow in his footsteps in a place as idyllic as Guadeloupe was a great honour and a dream come true. It is a joy to play Neville and I can't wait for viewers to see him in Paradise this series."
Tommy Bulfin, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama, added: "I am so pleased to welcome Ralf Little to the island, who we know will be brilliant in the role of D.I. Parker. Death in Paradise brings escapism and joy to BBC One and I can't wait for viewers to see what’s in store in the new year."
Shop Now Death in Paradise Series 8 [DVD] [2019]
Little will join the regular cast of Don Warrington, Tobi Bakare, Shyko Amos, Aude Legastelois and Elizabeth Bourgine in the show.
O'Hanlon is due to exit as DI Jack Mooney in the next series of the BBC show, though exactly how he exits remains to be seen.
The new casting was teased earlier this week with a cryptic shot of the back of his head, though many fans immediately speculated that it was Little.
The star previously appeared in the series, but that time it was the role of a holidaymaker called Will Teague.
Speaking last week after announcing his own exit, O'Hanlon said: "I've spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing Mooney, solving over 20 murder cases in my time there!
"It's been a hugely rewarding and unforgettable experience, working with incredibly talented actors, directors, and crew while discovering a magical part of the world."
Death in Paradise returns to BBC One in January 2020.
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