Ralf Little kicks off new show with Coronation Street star this week – and it’s bad news for Death in Paradise fans

DEATH In Paradise star Ralf Little has dashed any fan hopes of returning to the hit BBC show following his exit last month. 

The former DI Neville Parker actor has revealed his upcoming project with his longtime friend and former co-star.

During the latest season’s finale, Death in Paradise, viewers were crushed after witnessing Ralf's character leave the island of Saint Marie in emotional scenes - leaving the lead detective role vacant once again.

BBC show bosses have yet to confirm who will be replacing Neville, but fans are enthusiastic to see who will be stepping into his shoes next. 

The 44-year-old actor recently took to social media and announced his next project to fans on social media.

The actor has revealed that he is set to head out on tour with his good pal and former co-star Will Mellor for their Two Pints Podcast live tour.

On his Instagram account, the star shared that the pair would be hitting the stage tomorrow. 

He wrote: "Come and see us on tour! First show this Thursday, April 4th, in Leeds! Leave your troubles at the door and spend a couple of hours with us two idiots."

Ralf has previously admitted he is hopeful that one day he will return to Death In Paradise as a special guest alongside Florence Cassell, who also left the Caribbean crime drama. 

He expressed: "As far as I know, Neville has sailed off into the sunset with Florence, and that’s the end of his story. 

“But we know Death in Paradise and the ‘DIP-verse’, as we affectionately call it, is expanding."

He teased that DI Neville may return to the island for a Christmas special in the future and stated that he would undoubtedly be interested in taking on the detective role again. 

Reminiscing on his departure, Ralf described playing the character of DI Neville as a "privilege" and thanked fans for their well wishes and support.

He said: "It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to bring Neville Parker to all of you and to share his really quite profound journey with you.

"I can't thank you all enough for the support over the last four-and-a-half years, and as Neville heads off for new challenges and adventures and, I head off for new challenges and adventures.

"When I look back at the time I spent on Death In Paradise, the way everyone took Neville into their hearts, it really has been one of the most magical and profound experiences of my entire life.

"If it wasn't for all of you, I'd have never of got to do it. So thank you, so so much! What next for the show? Well, I couldn't even tell you if I did know but I don't! I don't know!"

He continued: "But what I do know is that the team that makes it, the producers, the writers, directors, all the crew, guest cast and of course my absolutely magnificent co-stars.

"They know what they're doing, and the future is in good hands! So I'll be watching series 14 along with you guys with the same excitement you all will. I can't wait to see what I can't wait to see what happens next!"

This new tour comes following the success of their 17-date Two Pints Live! Tour back in 2022.

Many will remember the duo on BBC Three’s sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps between 2001 and 2006, where they played the roles of wayward teens Gaz and Jonny.

Their new tour is titled April Fools' Live Tour and the show will stop at six cities in total.