20 February 2023 , 10:12
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The Inbetweeners' Simon Bird is odds-on favourite to replace Ralf Little in Death in Paradise.
The Royle Family actor, 43, hasn't said anything about leaving the show, but fans have been speculating he may soon call it quits.
Typically those playing the detective in the programme leave after two series and Ralf has played DI Neville Parker for four seasons and two Christmas specials.
Set on the stunning island of Guadalupe, the sun-kissed show is a jewell in the Beeb's crown and now actor Simon Bird, 38, could be heading for paradise.
With odds of 5/1, it seems plenty of viewers see the actor as a good fit for Saint Marie's new detective.
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Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes said: "Death in Paradise viewers have fallen in love with Neville Parker over the last few years.
"The new DI will need to have their own quirks like those previous have, and it looks like Simon Bird could fit the bill very well."
The Inbetweeners' Simon Bird is odds-on favourite to replace Ralf Little in Death in Paradise (BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Denis Guyenon)Also in the running for the role are Diane Morgan with odds of 6/1, Matthew Horne (8/1), Romesh Ranganathan (9/1), and Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker (10/1).
The coveted gig used to belong to Kris Marshall, who played DI Goodman.
He'll soon reprising his role in spin-off series, Beyond Paradise.
Ralf has been on the show for four seasons (BBC / Red Planet / Denis Guyenon)
Simon found fame in The Inbetweeners (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)Kris' character left the island to start a life with Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) after the pair finally became official once he moved back to London.
When spin-off series Beyond Paradise starts next week, fans will catch up with the detective and Martha on British soil as they begin a new adventure in Devon.
Kris and Sally will reprise their roles as the couple in Martha’s home town of Shipton Abbott.
He played Will in the show (Getty Images)Writer Tony Jordan said he wanted to expand the Death In Paradise because it “brings a lot of joy to a lot of people”.
He said: “There are not many shows that make you feel good by the time you get to the end of them. Death in Paradise does that.
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“Humphrey is one of the most popular detectives we’ve had on the show, people loved him.”
Kris is starring in a Death in Paradise spin-off show (BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Craig Hardie)Kris took over from Ben Miller on Death in Paradise back in 2014.
After his exit, Father Ted star Ardal O’Hanlon replaced him.
Each detective has brought something different to the show and if Simon's socially awkward Will on The Inbetweeners is a taste of what's to come - fans will be in for a treat.