Death in Paradise spoilers incoming.
BBC crime drama Death in Paradise has been airing since 2011, but it's certainly about to see a huge change. After watching Ralf Little's last episode on TV, fans and critics have been wondering who is going to take over as the newest lead.
In its 13-season history, Little appeared for five years and was thus the show's longest-running lead. But after his DI Neville Parker skipped into the sunset with DS Florence Cassell following her return to the series, there's been plenty of speculation over who's set to take over.
In fact, according to betting shop Coral, there are a few frontrunners. Actress Diane Morgan, known best for playing Philomena Cunk and for her role in Motherland, is tipped as the number one favourite, while Miranda Hart, Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) and Harry Potter's Rupert Grint are close behind her.
A 14th series of the show has already been confirmed, along with an upcoming Christmas special, meaning there must be a new lead to fill his shoes. But exactly who is replacing Ralf Little in Death in Paradise? Speculation has been rife online, with a few frontrunners becoming clear.
Here's who's been mentioned as frontrunners to replace Ralf Little:
Simon Bird
At the top of the list apparently is The Inbetweeners' Simon Bird, who is the bookies' current favourite to join the show.
This would make sense given Death In Paradise's former leads usually have backgrounds in comedy.
Bird is best known for Friday Night Dinner as well as (ofc) playing Will in The Inbetweeners, as well as Everyone Else Burns, which has been renewed for a series two.
Romesh Ranganathan
Another possibility is comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who has been mentioned.
However, with his busy schedule, it seems unlikely Ranganathan would have time to uproot to the Caribbean to film. He is currently the host of The Weakest Link, star of The Misinvestigations of Romesh Ranganathan and The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, co-creator, co-writer and star of BBC comedy drama Avoidance, and a regular on Have I Got News For You and A League Of Their Own.
He also presents BBC Radio 2's Saturday morning show, too. Oh and then there's his actual stand-up comedy, which will take centre stage (no pun intended) during his Hustle tour this year.
Phew…
Diane Morgan
The bookies' second favourite (and someone being commonly mentioned) to join Death in Paradise is Diane Morgan, who could become the show's first female lead in its 13-year tenure.
Morgan is known for her dry comedy and role as chaotic interviewer Philomena Cunk.
She has also starred in After Life with Ricky Gervais, Motherland and Mandy, which she is also responsible for writing and directing.
Mathew Horne
Gavin & Stacey's Mathew Horne is another actor who is in the mix. He has also starred in Bad Education, and suitably has a background in comedy.
Interestingly, Horne appeared in an early episode of Death in Paradise, which many may say could mean he's out of the running. However, Ralf Little also had previously starred in the show in season two way before he joined.
Was he setting a clear precedent, we wonder?
Jaye Griffiths
On the theme of actors who've already been in the show, Jaye Griffiths could be a great choice after starring as DI Karen Flitcroft in series 12 to help investigate Neville's involvement in the murder of criminologist David Cartwright.
Could it be a returning character will take on the job rather than a newbie detective to the island?
Griffiths has previously appeared as Elle Gardner in Casualty, Sally Johnson in The Bill and Professor Janet Mander in Silent Witness.
Jodie Whittaker
Jodie Whittaker is another well-known name who has been suggested. While she is not known for her comedic acting, she has had experience working on a show for a long stint of time.
Of course we're talking about Doctor Who, where she played the lead for five years. Whittaker is also known for her roles in Broadchurch, Black Mirror and Trust Me.
Martin Clunes
Best known for his roles in Doc Martin and Manhunt, Martin Clunes would be a natural fit for the world of Death in Paradise — after all, he's already had plenty of experience leading a successful British drama!
Miranda Hart
Miranda Hart would be sure to bring her signature comedy to Death in Paradise, so she'd fit right in. Plus, she's something of a national treasure, so it would only make sense for her to land such a coveted role as this one.
Rupert Grint
We would love to see Ron Weasley step into a leading role in Death in Paradise — like, seriously love it. Grint has always had a natural knack for comedy, but we know he's also got the dramatic chops to pull off this role, too.
