Ralf Little felt a "huge responsibility" to the nation when he joined 'Death in Paradise'.
Ralf Little has left Death in Paradise after four years on screen
The 44-year-old actor first appeared as Detective Inspector Neville Parker in the ninth series of the hit BBC drama in 2020 but bowed out of the show altogether on Sunday (24.03.24) and has now admitted that he had "no idea" he would spend so long with the character as he thanked the cast, crew and viewers for their support over the years.
He said: "My time on Saint Marie has come to an end – what an end! New adventures await Neville, and he got to sail away into the sunset with his best friend. Who knows what happens for them next! I want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show when I arrived four and a half years ago.
"Coming into a series beloved by millions was a huge responsibility and I had no idea whether viewers would take to my interpretation of Neville’s character, and indeed to me.
"It was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming, and it’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his quite profound journey with you. "I can’t thank you all enough for the support over the last four and a half years. "
The 'Royle Family' star described the job as one of the "most magical and profound" he has ever done and "cannot wait " to see what is coming up next on the show.
"It’s been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. The team that makes 'Death in Paradise' - the producers, writers, directors, crew, guest cast, and my magnificent co-stars - they know what they’re doing, and the future is in good hands. I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s been the ride of a lifetime."
The Caribbean-based series will return later this year for a fourth feature-length Christmas special, followed by a new series in 2025,
Tim Key, Executive Producer for Red Planet Pictures, said: “Joining a successful show like 'Death in Paradise' as the lead is a daunting and risky prospect, but Ralf’s confidence and talent shone through from day one and the audience response to Neville and his journey has been amazing. I can’t thank Ralf enough for everything he has brought to the show, on and off screen, and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Tagged in Ralf Little