BBC Death in Paradise fans fume 'would STOP watching' as American actor tipped to replace Ralf Little

A vast number of the Death in Paradise fandom have made their feelings clear on one man who's emerged as a candidate to take over from the departing Ralf Little.

Little, who was the show's longest-serving detective as Neville Parker, bowed out of the programme in emotional circumstances at the end of series 13.

Ever since, rumours have been rife as to who'll head to Saint Marie to lead proceedings, with the likes of Diane Morgan, Simon Bird and Miranda Hart among the favourites with bookies.

But now, after writer James Hill followed him on social media, US actor Michael Rapaport has been thrown into the conversation.

Rapaport, 54, is best known for his roles in TV series Life & Beth, Atypical, Prison Break and The War at Home but in recent months he's hit headlines for his social media activity.

Rapaport has sparked controversy lately for his no-holds-barred and often foul-mouthed social media rants about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The actor often shares videos about the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for the release of Israeli hostages and showing support for the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces).

After Hill decided to follow Rapaport on social media, some fans predicted it could be down to plans to have him head to Saint Marie.

But fans of the BBC show have now flooded online message boards with their opposition to the idea, with one fan writing on Reddit: "I seriously hope the papers are talking rubbish and that annoying p***k isn’t actually slated for the role of the new DI.

"Was hoping they would finally give us a female DI or maybe someone from the UK whose family originally came from the Caribbean as immigrants."

Before long, the original poster was inundated with fellow fans in agreement, including a second who typed: "Would totally stop watching if he’s on the show... Even as a guest I wouldn’t watch."

"I doubt that’s going to happen," a third weighed in. "The whole premise is that a BRITISH DI is required because Saint Marie is a British territory."

While a fourth mused: "Isn't the whole premise of the show based on a white middle-aged British man who is out of his comfort zone by being in the Caribbean??

"If the next DI is outside of that remit then it basically becomes a different show. It's not Dr Who where the fact the doctor regenerates means they can literally be anyone."

Complaints continued on Facebook too, with a Death in Paradise fan page similarly flooded with protests, according to OK!.

One Facebook user hit out at the prospect by saying: "Why on earth would an American actor pretend to be British, there are plenty of British actors about."

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While a second weighed in: "Please, he is a good actor but not right for DIP."

There was some slim support for Rapaport, however, with one Redditor arguing: "Would be good as long as he can do the British accent, can’t be a worse actor than anything after Ben Miller." (sic)

At the time of writing, the BBC and Death in Paradise bosses are yet to announce who will take over from Little in the leading role.