SPOTLIGHT: Mr Ralf Little

Knitwear - MR P at MR PORTER, Trousers - Tiger of Sweden

This Sunday (4 February 2024) Ralf Little returns to lead Death in Paradise on the BBC. The show has become something of a phenomenon - licensed to more than 230 territories and is one of the best-performing dramas on the BBC; with it’s episodes hitting 8-9 million viewers per episode and Ralf fast becoming one of its most popular leads.

Ralf Little will be instantly recognisable to many of our readers for his role as Jonny in BBC’s much loved Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps alongside Sheriden Smith and Will Mellor and as Anthony Royle in BBC’s cult (and brilliant) comedy show The Royle Family with Caroline Ahern.

Shirt - MR P at MR PORTER, Trousers - Raey at MATCHES

How would you describe Death in Paradise to those that have never seen it?

Well in the past I have jokingly referred to it as Columbo in the Caribbean but I don’t think that that quite does it justice. I think that it is an intriguing, incredibly clever plotted murder mystery that follows in the footsteps of all of the brilliant detective dramas. I think that must be part of the shows success. It is incredibly warm-hearted and viewers really care about the characters and the hurdles that they overcome. One of the in-jokes on the show is that you come for the murder and stay for the paradise. The escapism of the scenery really helps tell the story too.

What can you tell us about your character of Neville Parker?

It has been a real joy to play Neville. He arrived with challenges that he needed to overcome, like all good characters do. These included real physical challenges because he was allergic to so many things - from the pollen, the trees, the salt in the seawater. He found it really tough and even before he arrived on the island, he was the sort of guy that would not take any risks and would steer away from physical experiences because there was always such a physical cost for him. He has found himself on the show so far, living almost a half life and with the support and help of his colleagues he has really flourished and worth that it is worth taking the risk in order to live a fuller life. It’s quite a profound journey and the physical/ psychological development is not one that I have seen much on television before.

We see him at the start of this season in a similar way in that he has been burned in love. He has given up on new experiences and opening himself up because he doesn’t want to get hurt.

The location looks great. What was filming in the Caribbean like?

In many respects it was a dream job as the location is glorious. It felt like a real privilege to be out there. Every Caribbean island has its own character and culture. The locals were also really nice to us. That said, it is not a six month holiday. We work hard and there are challenges in working in blistering heat and humidity. I think it is fine to say to oneself that I am tired and hot.

Does large viewing figures and leading a primetime show put any pressure on you?

That’s a really interesting question because for me this is the first time that has happened. I’ve been really blessed and privileged to be in shows like The Royle Family and 2 Pints of Lager which I originated in. They grew and they were not big shows on day one. Death in Paradise was not the same - when I joined I knew that I was joining a beloved show. I think I did not dare think about it, instead choosing to relish the challenge. It would have been easy for me to overthink it.

Ten minutes before my first episode aired, I got really stressed out. I didn’t even dare watch it. Ten minutes in, I got a text that told me that I had passed the Twitter test and was a hit.

The 100th episode coincides with the first episode of Season 13. Is there anything at all you can tell us about what fans can expect from that episode?

Yes I can! The Commissioner, a really beloved character gets shot so that is the crime that we have to investigate as well as dealing with all of the personal issues when someone that you are close to is in trouble. That is what the writers do so well with that ambitious storytelling which seems to get better and better as it matters emotionally and personally to the team. It starts the season in a great way.

Do you have fond memories of The Royle Family?

Of course. I was 17 when I worked on the first season and acting was not even really my plan. I had acted in bits and bobs but was planning on going to medical school. When I did The Royle Family, came back and then went back to finish my A-Levels. The first show aired as I started medical school but it was such a profound experience, that it made me rethink everything.

Most of my memories would be turning up, laughing for eleven hours a day and then going home. Being in a room with those people was such a wonderful way to start being an actor, and I’m so grateful for the experience. It was a brilliant start.

Why did you pursue acting over football?

I loved acting but the idea of making a career out of it didn’t seem real to me. I didn’t really believe that it was possible. I think maybe I was too conservative. I had a real passion for medicine and had all the right intentions. When I was lucky enough to be involved in this juggernaut of creativity I felt that I had to give it a go, and did not want to regret missing it. I have no regrets whatsoever and feel like I’ve had a wonderful career as an actor.

What are you working on now and next?

I’m doing what they call “resting” which is basically not having anything specific lined up yet. I know that I want my next role to be quite different. It’s great to have some down time, but whatever comes next I want to make an active choice to be bold and interesting and really challenging for me. That might be playing someone nasty.

Death in Paradise is on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday night, with season 13 starting on Sunday 4 February.

Follow Ralf Little on Instagram.

Tajinder HayerFebruary 4, 2024spotlight, interview, long reads, bbc