Death in Paradise star makes 'tough' admission as he opens up on exit after five years

Death in Paradise star Ralf Littlemade a "tough" admission as he opened up on his exit after five years.

The actor famously portrayed Detective Inspector Neville Parker on the BBC series, which follows criminal investigations on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie.

Neville became part of the Saint Marie police force in 2020, replacing DI Jack Mooney (Ardal O'Hanlon).

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His tenure as Detective Inspector saw him face many ups and downs, including overcoming his allergies and aversions to the sun, and even an attempt to frame him for murder.

Viewers were heartbroken when actor Ralf revealed his departure from the programme last year, with EastEnders star Don Gilet soon confirmed as his successor, reports the Express.

During his Saturday Kitchen appearance this weekend (August 16), Ralf revealed the motivation behind his decision to quit the series.

"I'd done five years and that made me the longest-serving detective on the show," he told presenter Matt Tebbutt.

"It felt like my character Neville's story had been told. Me and the producers sat down, and we, kind of, all agreed.

"Maybe we could have done another season, even maybe a couple, but you don't want to keep doing something when it feels like it's come to its natural conclusion.

"We felt like his story had finished in a quite rounded, quite beautiful and poignant way, so it felt like the right time to leave. Now, instead of spending six months of the year in the Caribbean, I've got to be in Clapham, but I'm very happy to be here."

Ralf also detailed the "tough" conditions he faced while filming abroad, stating: "It wasn't and isn't as easy as it looks. I'm lucky enough to enjoy the job that I do, so that always makes things better. But it's physically demanding.

"It's like a marathon for six months out there, and especially wearing the costume... You have to put that on and there's a lot of standing around in the heat. You'd be amazed at how physically exerting [it is].

"Listen, there's harder jobs in the world, I'm not saying I deserve a medal or anything, but it is not a big holiday that people think it is. It's hard."

The 45-year-old actor concluded: "It's an amazing show and I'm glad it's still going from strength to strength. I'm delighted because I want nothing but success for that show.

"It's been a huge part of my life. It's been one of the most magical experiences of my life, and I just feel really privileged to have been a part of it."

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer