Death In Paradise fans are in for a treat as a repeated episode of the crime series returns to BBC One tonight with long-serving detective Neville Parker
Death in Paradise star Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker(Image: BBC)
Hit BBC drama Death In Paradise makes a return to screens tonight with actor Ralf Little at the helm.
The sun-drenched, fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie remains just as deadly as ever in the debut of series twelve. In the opening episode, titled Murder in the Stars, a group of astronomers gathers on the island’s steep cliffs to witness a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event, the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn.
However, the evening turns tragic when renowned British professor Bertrand Sworder falls to his death while his colleagues are seemingly looking through their telescopes.
While the initial scene strongly points to suicide driven by brewing plagiarism accusations but DI Neville Parker smells foul play.
The crucial piece of evidence that cracks the suicide theory wide open is a half-finished crossword puzzle found in the victim’s pocket. Parker reasons that no one spends time solving a crossword if they are actively planning to take their own life.
As the Honoré Police team digs deeper, they uncover a web of deception involving a rival astronomer who claims he was paid off to hide the truth about Sworder’s stolen research.
Meanwhile, subplots brew within the station as trainee officer Darlene Curtis celebrates passing her exams, much to the slight insecurity of officer Marlon Pryce.
The repeat episode first aired in 2023, with DI Parker departing the show the following year. After his exit, veteran British actor Don Gilet, who is best known for his roles in EastEnders and Sherwood, was cast as the island’s fifth lead detective playing DI Mervin Wilson.
DI Parker joined the Saint Marie police team in 2020, taking over from DI Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon). His four years on the show saw him overcome his allergies, aversions to the sun, and even an attempt to frame him for murder to become Saint Marie’s longest-serving detective.
During the news of his departure, Tim Key, Executive Producer for Red Planet Pictures, said: “Joining a successful show like Death in Paradise as the lead is a daunting and risky prospect, but Ralf’s confidence and talent shone through from day one and the audience response to Neville and his journey has been amazing.
“I can’t thank Ralf enough for everything he has brought to the show, on and off screen, and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Death In Paradise airs Tuesday, September 22 at 9pm on BBC One
