Death in Paradise's Ralf Little's replacement could be Harry Potter star

Rupert Grint, best known for his role in the Harry Potter films, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Ralf Little on the hit series Death in Paradise. The 35-year-old actor is now the bookies' top tip with odds of 6/4 from Coral, following Ralf's departure from his role as DI Neville Parker.

Coral's John Hill commented on the shift in betting: "Rupert Grint is proving very popular in our next Death In Paradise lead detective betting." He added, "The actor's odds have been slashed from 6-1 to 6-4, and he now tops the betting to replace Ralf Little."

Other contenders include Nottinghamshire's Matthew Horne at 5/2, Diane Morgan at 5/1, Simon Bird at 3/1, and Martin Clunes at 8/1. Meanwhile, fans are speculating about potential new faces in Saint Marie, with one suggesting Shirley Henderson, another Harry Potter alum, could be a groundbreaking first female lead DI for the show.

Henderson has appeared on Death in Paradise before, playing DS Angela Young in a 2011 episode where her character was seconded to the Saint Marie police but ended up wrongly accusing a man of a crime. Despite this blunder, some viewers see her as a strong candidate for the lead detective role, reports the Express.

Classic Death in Paradise episodes have sparked debate about the show's future. Some viewers are calling for DS Angela Young to be promoted to the role of DI, with one fan writing on Facebook: "Watching classic episode with DS Angela Young and think she should be the new DI."

Another agreed, stating: "She was my favourite but then I think Shirley Henderson is an amazing actress. I think she could mellow over time and become more likeable once we get to know her."

However, some viewers aren't so keen on the idea, with one writing: "I think she was the most disliked person on DIP LOL."

Another commented: "No. Did NOT like her at all. Don't want a woman DI. Don't want the formula changed."

Ralf Little's time on Death in Paradise came to an end in August 2023 after nearly five years, making him the longest-serving lead detective in the show's history. His departure was emotional, as he left the island with Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert).

In a farewell message to fans, he said: "It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his really quite profound journey with you. I can't thank you all enough for the support over the last four-and-a-half years and as Neville heads off for new challenges and adventures and I head off for new challenges and adventures."

He added:"When I look back at the time I spent on Death In Paradise, the way everyone took Neville into their hearts, it really has been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life."

"If it wasn't for all of you, I'd have never of got to do it. So thank you, so so much! What next for the show? Well, I couldn't even tell you if I did know but I don't! I don't know! ".

Furthermore, he expressed his admiration for the team that worked behind the scenes and praised his "absolutely magnificent co-stars" for contributing to the success of the series. In conclusion, he remarked: "They know what they're doing and the future is in good hands! So I'll be watching series 14 along with you guys with the same excitement you all will. I can't wait to see what happens next! ".