A GAVIN and Stacey legend looks set to replace Ralf Little when Death in Paradise returns according to the latest betting odds.
The acclaimed actor quit his role as DI Neville Parker on the BBC drama which left fans devestated.
Ralf had been at the helm of the show for four years playing the DI and quickly established himself as a fan favourite.
Speculation has since been rife about which actor could be coming on board to take over with a new surprise star working his way up to the top spot
According to the latest odds, Gavin and Stacey legend Matthew Horne is in with a major chance of securing the role of the programme's next detective.
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Figures from Betfred place him at 5/1 to become the new face of the show when it returns for a brand new series in the new year.
However, Matthew will have to beat off some stiff competition from a fellow sitcom legend who appears likely to just about pip him to the post.
The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird remains the overall frontrunner but Matthew's chances appear to be getting stronger and stronger.
Mandy and Motherland actress Diane Morgan also finds herself in the top three which could put her as the original show's first ever female detective.
Betfred’s Kayley Cornelius said: “Simon Bird still remains the frontrunner to replace Ralf Little, however, we have witnessed a sharp boost in odds for Diane Morgan and Matthew Horne as they now both closely follow behind Simon so it could be a tight call for who could be the next Neville Parker!”
Other names who have also been touted to take on the role include Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker and The Weakest Link host Romesh Ranganathan.
The franchise recently revealed its third spin-off programme and confirmed that a female detective would be taking the helm.
BBC bosses shared that a new six part series called Return to Paradise is underway.
And this one will see Anna Samson playing DI Mackenzie Clarke while attempting to solve several mysterious murders.
The new spin-off is going to be set in Australia, much to DI Mackenzie's chagrin.
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The Australian actress previously acted in HBO's supernatural drama The Leftovers, and Australian drama Home and Away.
