Popular Death In Paradise star says he's 'buzzing to be back' as he returns to screens after shock show exit
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.
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