Latest news with #RalfLittle
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Death in Paradise's Ralf Little discusses potential return of iconic BBC show
Death in Paradise star Ralf Little has opened up about his time on the hit BBC One show as well as his career before appearing on the tropical crime drama. 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. 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.
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Death In Paradise's Ralf Little warned 'your career is over' by his own mum
Ralf Little says his mother had some harsh words for him after he decided to quit Death in Paradise, in which he played DI Neville Parker Death in Paradise star Ralf Little's mum told him his "career was over" when he decided to quit the hit BBC series last year. Ralf, 45, became part of the show in 2018 playing Detective Inspector Neville Parker, taking over from Ardal O'Hanlon. But following four series he decided to walk away from the part, with Don Gilet's character Mervin Wilson taking on the main detective role. Ralf has now revealed that his mother became concerned about his professional prospects after he left the programme. Speaking to The I, Ralf revealed: "About six months ago I went to visit her. My mum's done this my whole career - she's always worried about me." "She went: 'So, I've been thinking, now that your career's over you could go back to medical school this September and qualify in five years and the good news is you could still work till you're 75." Ralf originally went to Manchester University to study medicine as a teenager. But he decided to drop out of his course at just 18 to become part of The Royle Family cast. He played the put-upon younger sibling Antony in the sitcom, created by comedy legends Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash. Ralf has since had a hugely successful acting career, appearing in shows such as Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Ralf has spoken about how his role as Antony in The Royle Family resulted in him being pigeonholed as a "gawky" teenager in the TV world. Ralf Little, best known for his role in Death in Paradise, has opened up about his journey to becoming a leading actor. Speaking to the BBC, he said: "I am incredibly grateful for my career. I have had a wonderful time and I'm having a really wonderful time now being able to be in the Caribbean for five months." Reflecting on his career, he added: "But 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." He also speculated that his career might have taken a different path if not for being typecast as Antony from The Royle Family. He even considered a career in medicine, as he revealed in a piece for The Telegraph in 2021. He recalled: "I actually started medical school in the same week that The Royle Family was first broadcast, in September 1998. That was my 'sliding doors moment'. I wouldn't say my career suddenly exploded, but casting directors were reaching out and asking for me." However, he didn't sugarcoat the challenges of medical school, stating: "It's no picnic, medical school. From day one, the workload is extraordinary. "By about the third week, I realised trying to juggle both medical school and auditioning wasn't sustainable and I thought it was time to make the decision once and for all: either decide to be an actor or really commit to medical school."
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Death in Paradise confirms return of Ralf Little as he reprises role
BBC Death in Paradise confirms return of Ralf Little as he reprises role Death in Paradise fans will be thrilled to learn that Ralf Little will be returning to screens as Detective Neville Parker Death in Paradise: Don Gilet stars in trailer Death in Paradise enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that Ralf Little is set to reprise his role as Detective Neville Parker in a repeat broadcast airing this evening. The episode, Steamy Confessions, was originally broadcast in 2021 as the second instalment of series 10. Tonight's showing begins at 9 p.m. on BBC One. The storyline summary states: "An archaeologist is poisoned during a dig, and with only two suspects and a quick confession, it looks like this is going to be an open-and-shut case. "However, it turns out the archaeologists were not alone - and the team realise they have little to no evidence. "Meanwhile, Neville and Florence realise they might get along better than they originally thought, although the DI's attempts to embrace island life do not find favour with the Commissioner," reports the Express. Ralf Little as Neville Parker (Image: BBC ) Article continues below Neville won't be the sole character making a comeback, as viewers will also be pleased to witness Florence Cassell's return (portrayed by Josephine Jobert). Tobi Bakari will likewise be resuming his part as constable JP Hooper, whilst Tahj Miles features in his first appearance as rookie officer Marlon Pryce. Following the episode's initial transmission, Tobi, Tahj, Ralf, and Josephine have all departed the programme to pursue different ventures. Tobi became the first to bid farewell to the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie in 2021, following the conclusion of series 10. The actor disclosed that he had an inkling that his tenure on the show was drawing to a close three years before his character departed from Saint Marie. JP Hooper and Marlon Pryce will also appear in the episode (Image: BBC ) Speaking to RadioTimes, he recounted an epiphany during the filming of season seven in a church. He shared, "The preacher mentioned seven years in a message. As soon as he mentioned seven years, I don't know what happened. It just clicked. "It was like a moment of realisation. I had three more years left. It was three more years until it would be seven years, but it just hit me so hard. At this time, my wife was in the UK, and I told her that I know when it's going to be time for me to leave the show." Following their characters' romantic departure into the sunset, Ralf and Josephine bid farewell in series 13. Tahj Miles also made his exit at the conclusion of series 13, with his character moving to Jamaica alongside his sister. Death in Paradise (Image: BBC ) Ralf's role was swiftly taken over by Mervin Wilson, the island's new lead detective, portrayed by Don Gilet. Discussing his departure from the BBC series on BBC Breakfast, Ralf shared: "You know, this last series was always going to be my last series. I spoke to the BBC and Red Planet, the production company, and we all agreed. Article continues below "If it was just a heart decision, I would have wanted to do it for 20 more years. But just for the show and for my character, Neville it just sort of felt like his story was finished and his journey deserved to be completed. "He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right." Death in Paradise will be broadcast at 9pm tonight on BBC One.
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Now it's The Royle Family's turn for BBC trigger warning: Sitcom contains 'discriminatory language'
It left fans in stitches across three critically acclaimed seasons with its slice of Manchester life, spawning some classic catchphrases. But the fun is over for The Royle Family after the iconic sitcom became the latest show to be slapped with a BBC trigger warning. Seven episodes have been flagged by regulators thanks to 'discriminatory language some viewers may find offensive'. The notices, which can be seen on iPlayer, do not explain which scenes contribute towards the warnings, The Sun reports. No episodes from series one have received the content alert but episodes one, three and six from series two, which aired in 1999, and episode one from series three, which went out in 2000, have been deemed offensive. The latter perhaps has something to do with Anthony Royle, played by Ralf Little, describing a friend as a 'batty boy'. Two of the five Christmas specials, from 2008 and 2009, have also been adorned with the warning. It's not the first time the corporation has flagged the show to viewers for being potentially problematic. In 2021, a scene where TV-obsessed protagonist Jim, played by Ricky Tomlinson, calls celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen a 'nancy boy' was highlighted. At its peak, 12 million people watched each episode of The Royle Family with lead character Jim a fan favourite, partly for his famous catchphrase, 'my a*se'. The show also starred Sue Johnston as his wife Barbara and Caroline Ahern as their daughter Denise Best, as well as Craig Cash, Little and Liz Smith. The last of the series' 25 episodes was broadcast on Christmas Day 2012. The BBC has been approached for comment. It comes just days after the BBC also hit The Fast Show with a disclaimer. Originally airing in the 90s, the classic stars Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson with quick-fire sketches that depicted British society at the time. However, its infamous Suit You, Sir scenes have been hit with a 'woke' warning by BBC bosses. The Sun revealed two episodes contain the warning, which advises viewers of 'discriminatory language' before they can play the show. One episode from series three, that aired in December 1997, carries a scene where the tailors ask a customer if they would like to have sex with a 'she-male'. In reply, the customer says: 'Come on you tr**nies!' Meanwhile, an episode from the second series that originally broadcast in 1996, sees two men make advances on women. When they're swiftly rejected, the pair declare the women are 'lesbians'. The Fast Show aired for four series on the BBC before it was axed by bosses in 1997 after 28 episodes, which are all now available on iPlayer. The BBC also recently hit Ricky Gervais's comedy series The Office with a similar warning. The hit mockumentary sitcom created by comedian Gervais, 64, as well as Stephen Merchant, famously stars him as paper company boss David Brent. Both series of the noughties programme were already labelled with a G symbol on BBC iPlayer, which flags parental guidance for younger viewers. But nearly half of the BBC series' 14 episodes, following life at Wernham Hogg's Slough office, now also carry the additional content notice. In series one, which aired in 2001, the first and last episodes - Downsize and Judgement - bear the alert. Meanwhile, a whopping half of the second series, released in 2002, has been hit with trigger warnings - episodes one, three and five, named Merger, Party and Charity. At the start of the year it was revealed how Only Fools and Horses was hit with various disclaimers around 'racial language', words that 'may offend' and 'dated attitudes and behaviours'. Only two of seven series of the eighties hit show - which is available to watch on ITV and often reruns on digital channel U&Gold - did not have any episodes at all slapped with the warnings.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Popular Death In Paradise star says he's 'buzzing to be back' as he returns to screens after shock show exit
Popular Death In Paradise star Ralf Little has said he's 'buzzing to be back' on our screens after his heartbreaking departure last year. Ralf, who played DI Neville Parker, left the Caribbean-set BBC crime drama in 2024, after four years heading up the show, making him its longest-serving police officer. But fans will be delighted to know he is now back on the small screen for the second series of his reality show Will & Ralf Should Know Better, with friend and fellow actor Will Mellor. The pair, who famously worked together on Noughties sitcom Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, launched their chatty Two Pints With Will and Ralf podcast in 2020. They then followed it up with the hugely successful first series of their TV show on U and U&Dave in October last year, exploring the challenges of midlife. And now a second series is to follow in two three-episode blocks, one coming later this year and another in 2026 - to Ralf's absolute delight. He said: 'Somehow, they've let us do this again! I'm buzzing to be back with Will for round two - more adventures, more questionable decisions and probably more moments where we ask, "What on Earth are we doing?" 'I'm incredibly grateful for the response to the first series and I can't wait to get started on the next!' The format sees Will, 49, and Ralf, 45, meet a range of fascinating new people and try out challenges to push them out of their comfort zone. This series will include everything from trying out stand-up comedy for the first time, to survive the country's most haunted pub, to cross-country orienteering with no mobile phones. But most importantly, it gives an insight into their years-long friendship, first forged more than 20 years ago when Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet of Crisps began, in 2001. Will - also known for his roles on Hollyoaks and EastEnders, as well as a turn on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, in which he finished fifth with partner Nancy Xu - said of this second series: 'We're back! 'I'm so happy to be making a second series of this show with Ralf - we had so much fun filming series one and it seems the public loved it just as much as us. 'The reaction to series one was overwhelming and I can't wait to dive back in.' Death In Paradise viewers were devastated last year when Ralf confirmed he was leaving the show, which centres on a different DI every couple of series. His character DI Parker sailed away from the show's setting on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie to travel with former Detective Sergeant Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert), who he had a blossoming relationship with. The actor has since been replaced as the show's primary police officer by Don Gilet - known for 55 Degrees North, EastEnders and Holby City - as DI Mervin Wilson. Ralf said at the time, departing at the end of series 13: 'So, there you have it! The secret's out! My time on Saint Marie has come to an end. But, what an end! 'New adventures await Neville and he got to sail off into the sunset with his best friend, and, you know, who knows what happens for them next! 'I just want to say, just an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show. 'When I arrived, four-and-a-half years ago, I knew I had big shoes to fill. Coming into a series beloved by millions, including me, was a huge responsibility.' It comes after the BBC shared news about series 15 of Death In Paradise at the end of last month, with a first-look image. It comes after the BBC shared news about series 15 of Death In Paradise at the end of last month , with a first-look image Series 14 wrapped up in March with a dramatic finale and saw Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington), prepare to leave his role in the police department. But fans soon received an update on the next instalment from producers. The Death In Paradise social media account on X shared a photograph of a clapboard on a beach, which attracted thousands of likes and comments from eager viewers. The post confirmed filming for season 15 had already started. It was captioned: 'We're back in paradise! Filming has begun this week in Guadeloupe on the brand-new series of #DeathInParadise.' Will & Ralf Should Know Better will be available to watch on U.
