Beyond Paradise star teases Death In Paradise role after Ralf Little's exit

A cast member of Beyond Paradise has teased that they would be up for taking over from Ralf Little as the lead on Death in Paradise amid speculation over his replacement.

Ralf, 44, had played detective Neville Parker on Death in Paradise but the latest series of the BBC show ended with his departure. The character left Saint Marie with Florence Cassell (played by Joséphine Jobert) to go off travelling.

There's since been speculation about who will replace the actor as the next lead on the show. Former cast member Peter Davison, 73, who appeared in one episode in 2014 and has more recently played Richard Baxter in spin-off Beyond Paradise, has teased that he would be up for it.

Peter - known for his role in Doctor Who - didn't rule out taking over as the lead in an interview. Addressing whether he would put himself forward, he told the Express: "Yes, I don't know." He then recalled once speaking to original lead Ben Miller, now 58, and said that he had found the show's schedule "a bit relentless".

He however suggested that he would consider the opportunity to front the show. Peter added: "I'm always up for a challenge. So I would not rule it out but I think the chances are they may go to someone a bit younger."

Peter's remarks come amid bookmaker Coral announcing that Rupert Grint, 35, is the frontrunner in the latest odds. The actor, known for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film series, is now described as the "new favourite".

There's said to have been "strong support" for Rupert to replace Ralf over the last few days. His odds are now at 6-4, having been slashed from 6-1. Coral's John Hill said: "[He's] proving very popular in our next Death In Paradise lead detective betting. The actor's odds have been slashed from 6-1 to 6-4, and he now tops the betting to replace [Ralf]."

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne, 45, who was the frontrunner recently, is now second in the odds at 5-2. He's followed by the Inbetweeners' Simon Bird, 39, and After Life's Diane Morgan, 48, at 3-1 and 5-1 respectively.

Romesh Ranganathan, 46, remains on the list with odds of 6-1. Additionally, according to the bookmaker's odds this week, Miranda Hart, 51, and then Martin Clunes, 62, could replace Ralf as they have odds of 7-1 and 8-1 respectively.

Ralf confirmed his departure from Death in Paradise last month in a video message to his fans. He said following the latest series' finale: "So, there you have it! Secret's out! My time on Saint Marie has come to an end, but, what an end! New adventures await Neville and he got to sail off into the sunset with his best friend [and] who knows what happens for them next! I just want to say, just an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show."

The actor said that it had been a "huge responsibility" to lead the cast of the show and he had "no idea" how viewers would receive his portrayal of Neville. He added: "So it was quite a relief that the response has been overwhelming."

Ralf continued by saying that it had been a "privilege and pleasure" to have played the character. He also thanked fans for their support and went on to tease that he is now heading "off for new challenges and adventures" himself.

"It really has been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life. And if it wasn't for all of you, I'd have never got to do it. So thank you so so much," he said in the video that was shared with fans on social media.

He stated that he isn't aware of what's next for the show but assured his followers that "the future's in good hands" with his former colleagues. Ralf said he will be a viewer himself, teasing recently: "I can't wait to see what happens next!"