Ralf Little hints at big career move after Death in Paradise exit: ‘I want to do things that scare me’

Virgin Radio

9 Apr 2024, 15:16

After quitting beloved BBC cosy crime series Death in Paradise, Ralf Little has teased what he’s considering doing next. 

The actor, who played DI Neville Parker for four years on the fan-favourite show, announced he was leaving Saint Marie for good following the final episode of series 13 in March. 

Speaking in a new interview with Big Issue magazine, Ralf admitted he’s after a new challenge, and wants to push himself out of his comfort zone. 

He explained: “I want...to do more things that scare me or that I maybe feel a bit intimidated by.”

Playing squeaky-clean Neville Parker has clearly rubbed off on Ralf, and now the telly star is after something with a bit more edge. 

“I'd love to play a villain,” he continued. “It would be so nice to just play someone horrible - I've spent my whole career playing nice guys. I want to surprise myself.”

Before stepping foot in the Caribbean, Ralf was best known for his time on The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. 

When asked if he thinks playing Neville has changed how people see him, Ralf replied: “Massively. And I welcome that, because I loved every moment of it. But now people are talking about Death in Paradise just as much.

“That evolution feels very satisfying. It's the next step of my life. I was a kid when I did The Royle Family. I'm a middle-aged man now.”

Ralf left fans heartbroken when he revealed he had officially left the fictional Saint Marie by sailing off into the sunset with DS Florence Cassell, played by Josephine Jobert, following an ongoing, ‘will they, won't they?’ storyline.

He said at the time: “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! 

Regarding joining the Saint Marie police team back in 2020, taking over from Ardal O’Hanlon’s DI Jack Mooney, Ralf continued: “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."

All series of Death in Paradise are currently available on BBC iPlayer.