A month after Death in Paradise fans were devastated by the departure of fan-favourite Ralf Little, avid viewers are abuzz with excitement over who might replace him as the show’s lead. So far, there have been rumours that many big stars are in the running for the role, with Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint and Doc Martin’s leading man Martin Clunes among the top contenders.
But keen fans are now convinced that Death in Paradise writer James Hall may have dropped an important clue about who the newest detective in the series will be after noticing that he has recently started following US actor Michael Rapaport on social media.
Although the name may not be immediately familiar to viewers, Michael is one of the most recognizable faces on the US television scene. He has appeared in Friends, where he played Phoebe Buffay’s cop boyfriend, as well as Prison Break, My Name is Earl and Atypical, to name just a few of his impressive film appearances.
Film fans may also know the actor from his role alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Sixth Day” or as Eddie Murphy’s partner in “Doctor Dolittle 2”. In fact, Michael has appeared in a whopping 69 films throughout his career!
The latest clue makes Michael the latest star on a growing list of possible candidates to replace the lead investigator in Death in Paradise, after Ralf Little’s character DI Neville Parker left the series at the end of last season to pursue new opportunities.
So far, bookies are tipping Rupert Grint as the favourite to take over the show, with odds currently at 6/4 for him. However, not everyone is so convinced, with several other names in the running even having been publicly endorsed by former Death in Paradise leads themselves.
Ben Miller, who directed the series between 2011 and 2014 as DI Richard Poole, had suggested Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office star Toby Jones for the role, but also expressed a desire to see a woman in the lead role.
“Oh my God, there are so many people who would be brilliant,” he told RadioTimes.com, before suggesting: “Toby Jones, I’d love to see him.”
In addition to Toby, Ben also said that a female lead for the show could “definitely work,” adding: “I could 100% see that happening. I think that would be good too. If we’re going to play fantasy detectives, it’s Miranda Hart.”
Ralf Little exited the show last month when his character Neville finally sailed off into the sunset with his lover Florence Cassell. Ralf confirmed his exit immediately after the episode aired, telling his fans: “My time on Saint Marie is over – what an end! New adventures await Neville and he got to sail off into the sunset with his best friend. Who knows what will happen to them next!”
