Ralf Little played DI Neville Parker on Death In Paradise for years, becoming the longest running detective on the BBC drama11:17, 26 Jun 2026Ralf Little's real reason for leaving Death In Paradise has been revealed.‌The much-loved actor played DI Neville Parker on the BBC detective drama for the longest tenure of all the detectives who had come before him. He departed his role a couple of years back, replaced by Don Gilet, who stars as DI Mervin Wilson.‌At the time, Ralf explained how "new adventures" awaited for his character, who decided to leave the island of Saint Marie in the hope of finding love after years of being alone.‌"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!" he wrote in a lengthy social media post."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."‌Of taking on the part, he added: "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. 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."Later, Ralf spoke to BBC Breakfast, where he explained he felt it was the right time to leave - not for him, but his character.Article continues below"This last series was always going to be my last series. I had talks with the BBC, and with Red Planet, the production company, and we all agreed. If it was in my heart... like, if it was just a heart decision, I'd have wanted to do it for 20 more years," he said."But just for the show, and for my character Neville, it just felt like his story, it deserved to be finished, and his journey deserved to be completed and he deserved a nice happy ending, and so it just felt right."Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .