Death in Paradise star Ralf Little teases complicated "on and off" romance for Neville Parker

"Neville is immediately smitten."

By Jacob Sarkisian and Daniel Kilkelly

15 Dec 2022

Death in Paradise star Ralf Little has teased a complicated romance for his character Neville Parker in the upcoming 12th series, which airs in the new year.

Little was speaking to Digital Spy and other press when he discussed his character's romantic life away from solving murders in the tropical paradise of Saint Marie.

"There is love in the air, very much so. Neville meets a character – Sophie, played by Chelsea Edge, who's brilliant. She arrives on the island like a bombshell. Sophie, not Chelsea," Little said.

ralf little as di neville parker, death in paradise, season 11

BBC

"Neville is immediately smitten, but it's not as simple as that because he's still missing Florence terribly. He's still quite burned by that experience."

Neville previously had feelings DS Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) and tried to announce his love for her on several occasions. Things never quite worked out, however, and Florence left the island for good midway through season 11.

"He's been through a lot. It's been a difficult time getting used to being on the island. He's had a lot to overcome. He largely has now, but he's not just suddenly fine with his quirky eccentricities – they don't just disappear," Little said.

ralf little as di neville parker, ds florence cassell, death in paradise, season 11

BBC

"But Neville has just settled in and got used to the island. Florence left. He's still a bit devastated. He's focusing on work, he's got a routine, and then this extraordinary character – this fabulous character arrives and completely throws him for a loop."

Little explained that his new feelings for Sophie will be "a lot to deal with" as he is still feeling burned by Florence and misses her dearly.

di neville parker, death in paradise christmas special

BBC / Red Planet / Denis Guyenon

"It's never smooth and it gets more and more complicated. There's a lot to enjoy," Little said of the upcoming romance between Neville and Sophie.

"She arrives in the Christmas episode but it's an ongoing theme on and off throughout the next series."

Death in Paradise returns on Boxing Day on BBC One followed by series 12 from January 6, 2023. A spin-off, Beyond Paradise, is in production.