Death in Paradise's Ralf Little discusses potential return of iconic BBC show

Actor Ralf Little has garnered a new legion of fans since joining the hit BBC crime series Death in Paradise.

At 45, he portrayed DI Neville Parker on the programme for four years before deciding to depart in 2024, with Don Gilet stepping into the role as Mervin Wilson.

Yet, viewers might also remember Ralf from his earlier days on another beloved show, The Royle Family.

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Starting in 1998, he took on the role of Antony, Jim Royle's put-upon son, until 2000. Although the sitcom only ran for three series, it has become an iconic part of British television.

In a chat with The I Paper, Ralf discussed whether he believes shows like The Royle Family would have a shot at being aired in the current TV landscape, reports Wales Online.

He remarked: "The reality is that The Royle Family only got made because of several strokes of luck."

This trailblazing comedy centred around the Wythenshawe working-class family, with creators Caroline Ahern and Craig Cash portraying Denise and Dave.

Ralf continued: "It's slightly passed into history as a genius bit of commissioning but even that was made through hustle."

"There are fewer opportunities, fewer government programmes for young working class voices to get into the industry – the Seventies' and Eighties' Jimmy McGoverns and (Royle Family co-star) Ricky Tomlinsons.

"It's a weird time. The entirety of television has completely changed from under me while I've been doing my career. It's a constant grind and constant hustle to try and get anything made."

Despite The Royle Family launching Ralf's career, he previously revealed that many industry figures viewed him as a 'gangly teenager'.

A few years ago, whilst still appearing in Death in Paradise, the actor admitted: "I've had a 20-year career and this is the first show I've actually been the legitimate lead in... at age 40.

"Don't get me wrong, anyone's lucky to even have one, but it's taken a while to even get here."

Following his departure from Death in Paradise, the 45-year-old is set to appear in the upcoming dystopian thriller, The Flaw.

According to a synopsis from Deadline, the plot centres on "a ruthless Interrogator (Dawson) who is ordered by the Special Service to follow a perfect Plan to prove a Suspect (McBain) is guilty.

"But once the interrogation gets underway, he comes to realise that there is a flaw not only in the Plan, but also in the Regime itself," the synopsis from Deadline states.