Over five million fans saw Ardal's last appearance as Jack
Death in Paradise new boy Ralf Little has warmly praised Ardal O’Hanlon as he prepares to take over cop duties on Saint Marie.
Over five million fans, according to Broadcast, tuned in to watch Ardal make his final appearance as DI Jack Mooney last night.
And Ralf, who will be seen for the first time as Detective Inspector Neville Parker next week, took to Twitter to send a warm message to his predecessor.
“Last night was the magnificent Ardal O’Hanlon’s @ardalsfolly final ep of @deathinparadise, and next week, I arrive to take over Jack Mooney’s detective duties.
“If I can bring even half of his warmth, humour and charisma, I’ll consider myself lucky. Hope you all enjoy.”
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So, Ralf follows in the footsteps of Ardal, Kris Marshall (DI Humphrey Goodman) and Ben Miller (DI Richard Poole) in being the show’s leading cop.
Ralf is thrilled to be the new Death in Paradise detective
Talking to us about starring in the series, Ralf says: “It’s an absolute joy. I was a guest star in the second series, and thought that might be preclude me from ever being considered for the main role.
“When I was offered the part I was absolutely delighted. I’ve been acting for 23 years and love it, but this is the first outright lead I’ve done.
"It’s exciting for me that I’m turning 40, fast careering towards middle age, and now a leading man in a hit show!”
Ralf also reveals why Neville comes to Sant Marie, saying: “He’s there to solve a murder. I’m not at liberty to say how he ends up staying but the police team in Saint Marie tolerate him and his allergies with good nature. But they find him a little hard work, particularly the Commissioner!”
Catch Ralf Little’s first episode in Death in Paradise next Thursday on BBC1 at 9pm.
