Ralf Little is set replace Ardal O’Hanlon as the lead role in ‘Death in Paradise’.
The 39-year-old actor will star in the BBC crime drama, where he will play a new detective set to take over the solving of the murders on the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe after Ardal departs the show next year.
Ralf will arrive in series 10, but has previously appeared in the show in 2013 as another character.
His entry was teased by the BBC in a photograph posted on social media, which showed the back of Ralf’s head whilst he sat on a beach hammock.
The photo was captioned: "Here’s a sneak peek of the new D.I taking over from Ardal O’Hanlon to unravel the island’s murder mysteries. Who do you think will be playing him? Answers on a postcard, please! (sic)"
And a source confirmed the news to the Daily Mirror newspaper, saying: "Ralf has already started work solving strange deaths on the show and we think fans will love him."
Ardal, 54, will make his final appearance as Detective Inspector Jack Mooney when series nine airs next year, and previously revealed he was stepping down from the role in order to pursue other ventures.
Earlier this month, he said: "I’ve spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing DI Jack 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.
"However, it’s time to move on and explore other opportunities – preferably nearer the Arctic Circle.
"I’m confident that ‘Death in Paradise’ will go from strength to strength and viewers will share my enthusiasm for Jack’s successor."
This is not the first time the lead character in the show has changed, as the crime-solving role has also been played by Ben Miller from 2011 to 2014, and Kris Marshall from 2014 to 2017.
Ralf Little to take on lead role in Death in Paradise
