Ben Miller, who played Detective Inspector Richard Poole during the first three seasons of Death in Paradise has opened up on series 14 getting a casting shake-up.
It was recently announced that Ralf Little is stepping down from his leading role in Death in Paradise as Detective Inspector Neville Parker after four years in the role.
Ahead of Don Gilet being unveiled as the new main character, Ben Miller spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about which actor he thought would replace Ralf.
Speaking just a day before the official announcement was made: “Well, I heard a rumour, by the way, so don’t for a second think I have any inside information…
“I heard a rumour that Simon Bird, I was looking at the bookies have Simon Bird on the list. I think he’d be brilliant.”
The Bridgerton star added: “I don’t know if he’s interested. I don’t know if there have been any conversations. I think he would be superb!”
Simon is perhaps best known for his roles in the British sitcoms The Inbetweeners and Friday Night Dinner which were huge Channel 4 hits.
Ben continued: “The idea of him sweltering on a desert island already makes me laugh.
“So I think he’d be amazing. And I’d love the in-betweener Friday night dinner type thing.”
The BBC confirmed Don would be replacing Ralf earlier this month in an official statement shared with fans of the long-running series.
The 57-year-old will make his Death in Paradise debut in a feature-length Christmas special later this year.
He’ll be playing Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson who rocks up on the sunny island of Saint Marie from rainy London. However, he doesn’t seem pleased with the change of scenery.
Will he warm up to the idea of working and living in the Caribbean once he gets to know his colleagues and surroundings?
Don told the BBC of his new role: “Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.
“This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it.
“It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.”
Death in Paradise episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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