Daniel Caltagirone thrilled to see Ralf Little leading Death in Paradise

Daniel Caltagirone was "delighted" when Ralf Little was cast as the lead in \'Death in Paradise\'.

The \'Pianist\' actor guest stars in the latest episode of the tropical murder mystery series - which airs later this week - and he was thrilled to see his old friend introduced to the show as DI Neville Parker as the pair had grown up together in the industry.

Daniel said: "Ralf and I go back nearly twenty years. We both came through the profession together (Ralf with The Royle Family and me with Lock, Stock) and would frequently hang out in those crazy days when we were under the spotlight.

"It was great to catch up again and reminisce about those days. Lots of laughter! I was delighted to see Ralf cast as the new lead. He will be fantastic in the role and seemed to already be enjoying the experience."

The 47-year-old star plays the role of Will Arnott for his spot.

His character is a former Army Major who runs a survival course on the island of Saint Marie, although it turns out that he isn\'t the inspiring leader he appears to be.

Daniel explained: "Will is an ex-army Major, who runs a survival course on the island. On the surface he is an inspiring leader brimming with energy.

"However, as the show progresses, we realise that he is in fact a damaged man, a victim and perpetrator. Ultimately a person who lost himself and is trying to do the right thing."

Daniel also joked that he would have been "lynched" by his loved ones if he\'d turned down the chance to appear on the programme.

He said: "It\'s a show that everyone I know watches. I would have been lynched by my family if I had turned it down!"

\'Death in Paradise\' continues on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.