Death In Paradise star Ralf Little expressed how 'lucky' he is to work with his co-star Don Warrington.
The actor, 42, returns as DI Neville Parker for the festive special of the series and paid tribute to his pal, who plays Commissioner Selwyn.
Speaking about being on set with Don, Ralf explained: "The show stands or falls on whether the audience takes them into their hearts."
He added that he was 'lucky' to be on set with Don and even called him a 'living legend'.
Ralf added: "Every time I’m in a scene with him, I’m thinking about how lucky I am."
The actor has been on the show for a long time, taking on the role of the detective for four series and two additional specials.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article28807118.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Death-in-Paradise-S9.jpg)
Meanwhile, Ralf recently admitted that his role on the show is 'challenging and demanding' after breaking a show record.
The BBC One show will be airing a Christmas special on Boxing Day, before it comes back for a new series.
As Neville tries to move on from losing his love interest Florence Cassell, Ralf admitted he is overjoyed to have broken a big record for the programme.
He became the longest-standing detective on the show, beating the likes of DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and DI Richard Poole (Ben Miller).
However, Ralf revealed his job is "challenging" and "physically demanding" as he opened up about what it meant to make history on the show.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article28807119.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_death-in-paradise-DI-Neville-Parker.jpg)
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Ralf said: "I think officially I am now which I didn't expect and it does mean a lot to me, actually. It does.
"I think it's really, really fulfilling and flattering to have been able to do it for as long as I have."
He added: "Like Neville, I joked about him having his feet under the table but still having his challenges, this is a challenging job. It is beautiful, but it does have its challenges. It's exhausting. It's physically demanding.
"It's relentless in terms of every day you're out there and it's hot and tiring and mentally tiring. Like when you work hard. We do. But I just love it."
Death in Paradise's Christmas special will be a 90-minute bonanza and fans will be treated to all the latest drama in sun-soaked Saint Marie.
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