Death In Paradise fans demand an explanation from BBC bosses after huge TV schedule shake-up

DEATH in Paradise fans have complained about the show’s new schedule ahead of its Season 13 debut in a few days.

Following last week's sneak peek trailer, the first episode of the new series will be landing on screens this Sunday. 

The new season of Death in Paradise will see DI Neville Parker and the team together again, solving mysterious murders on the exotic island of Guadeloupe.

But fans have taken to social media and expressed their disappointment with one aspect of the BBC show's return.

Many viewers have taken to Instagram and questioned why the Ralf Little drama is being aired on Sunday instead of its usual Friday slot, after the official account posted the trailer.

One viewer quizzed: "Why move it to Sunday? Friday is the start of the weekend, and what better way to start.”

Another agreed and said: "Totally agree, why Sunday? Used to get so excited for a Friday night Death in Paradise! Boo BBC.”

A third chimed: "Same here, Friday nights were off limits and reserved for Death in Paradise. Just glad it's back."

A fourth echoed: " From Thursday night to Friday night and now Sunday night. How come?" 

The trailer gave fans an insight into what can be expected from the upcoming series and revealed which celebrities would be guest-starring throughout.

A few diehard Death in Paradise fans noticed that EastEnders legend Sean Maguire, who featured in the first episode of the series and played Marlon Collins, will be returning to Saint Marie for the show's 100th episode.

After seeing the beloved character's appearance in the clip, fans took to the comments section and discussed his comeback.  

One viewer asked: ";Sean Maguire was in season one, episode one - wonder if it’s a character reprisal?"

Another queried: "Wasn’t Sean Maguire in it before?" 

Meanwhile a third pointed out: "Looks like Sean’s character has come up in the world since his last appearance."

Sean also shared a picture from behind the scenes where he announced his comeback to the BBC drama. 

On his Instagram page, the actor wrote: "I was lucky enough to be in the very first episode of #DeathInParadise. Now, 12 years have passed and I was delighted to be asked back and appear in the 100th episode alongside the legend that is Don Warrington and a fab cast.

"Such a fun job. Airs BBC One, Feb 4th, 9pm - don’t miss it." (sic)

The synopsis for the upcoming 100th episode reads: "Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (played by Don Warrington) is left fighting for his life after he’s dramatically shot by a mysterious assassin in the show’s dramatic landmark 100th episode.

"The smash hit Caribbean crime drama is back, with Ralf Little, Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Tahj Miles, Ginny Holder and Élizabeth Bourgine taking on a new string of cases.

"An array of talented guest stars will join the new series, including Sean Maguire, Leon Herbert, Cathy Tyson, Mensah Bediako and many more."

Ralf Little is the show’s fourth lead detective, with DI Neville Parker succeeding DI Richard Poole (Ben Miller), DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and DI Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon), and rumours of another replacement have been circulating.

Speaking out on the subject, Ralf, 43, admitted that the future of his character is up in the air and that he has “no idea” what will happen to him. 

Death in Paradise returns on Sunday, February 4, at 9pm.