Death in Paradise fans fume 'no one would watch' as Ralf Little's replacement 'uncovered'

Death in Paradise fans are up in arms over the potential replacement for Ralf Little, with some saying they wouldn't tune in if a certain Hollywood actor took on the role.

Since Ralf announced his departure from the BBC drama, speculation has been rife about who will step into the lead detective's shoes, with names like Harry Potter's Rupert Grint and Doc Martin's Martin Clunes being bandied about. The latest name to be thrown into the ring is Beyond Paradise police officer Kelby Hartford, played by Dylan Llewellyn. However, it's the suggestion that Friends star Michael Rapaport could be taking over from Ralf that has left some fans less than pleased.

After show writer James Hall hinted at the possibility on social media, fans took to a Facebook fan page to air their views. One disgruntled viewer wrote: "Why on earth would an American actor pretend to be British, there are plenty of British actors about."

Another chimed in: "Please, he is a good actor but not right for DIP.” A third went on: “Doubt that it's usually a British DI that takes over.” Some fans also felt that Harry Potter star Rupert wouldn't be a good fit for the role, with one stating: "Oh god please no, no one would watch."

"Please say it's not true, sorry but he's not got what it takes," someone else stated on a Facebook fan page.

Fans are keen to see Kelby from Beyond Paradise take over, with one fan praising: "Kelby is the best character in the Death in Paradise universe #beyondparadise." Another speculated: "Kelby is so me, I'm terrible at explaining things. bet he solves the case...promotion to St Marie #beyondparadise.

"Awww Kelby, my sweet summer child get him to St Marie, where he can mature ," another agreed while one echoed: "Yes to replace Ralf Little.”

Bookies have their sights set on Rupert Grint as the most probable successor, with odds standing at 6-4 for him stepping into the role.

However, other potential candidates have been put forward, some backed by former Death in Paradise leads. Ben Miller, who portrayed DI Richard Poole from 2011 to 2014, threw Toby Jones' hat into the ring while expressing his own wish to see a woman leading the team.

As Ben told RadioTimes.com: "Oh my God, there are so many people who'd be brilliant," then noting: "Toby Jones that's who I'd like to see. "Aside from Toby, Ben also mentioned that a female lead would "definitely work" for the show.

He went on to envision: "I could see that, 100 percent. I think that'd be good too. If we're playing fantasy detectives, Miranda Hart.”