Ralf Little's successor on the BBC's Death in Paradise is yet to be announced but it hasn't stopped the rumour mill from going into overdrive.
Little departed the series on Sunday night as DI Neville Parker left fans in tears with his emotional farewell to Saint Marie after confessing his feelings for Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert).
The actor took to Instagram to break his silence on the exit soon after and the BBC has stated it will announce his replacement in "due course".
But no sooner had Neville stepped foot off the island had a number of big names been banded around by the fandom as to who should take on the mantle next.
Bookmakers have even identified Martin Clunes as the most likely replacement but former leading star Ben Miller has added to the rumour mill with thoughts of his own.
Death in Paradise's very first leading man appeared on TV on Tuesday morning just days after Little's exit to suggest the next DI should be played by a female actor.
Ralf Little: The Death in Paradise leading man left the series in Sunday's episode
BBC
"It's such a great part, there are so many brilliant actors," he pondered. "I wonder, is it time to switch it up a bit and have a female detective - and if we did maybe Miranda Hart?
"I think she'd be amazing," Miller said to Lorraine Kelly.
Miller isn't alone in his thinking either, as bookmakers Betfred has released prices on Diane Morgan, Jaye Griffiths and Jodie Whittaker as possible replacements.
Now, fans have had their say on whether the BBC series should land a female DI for the first time - and there's one name who's emerged head and shoulders above the rest.
Diane Morgan: The After Life star has emerged as a candidate to replace Ralf Little
GETTY
In a new thread on the popular forum site Reddit, one user suggested either Simon Bird or Morgan should take over.
And while it would be a break from the norm, several fans appeared to relish the idea of Morgan landing the part.
"Diane Morgan is A GENIUS suggestion!" one fan replied on the thread before a second agreed: "I'm warming to Diane Morgan as the DI because it'd be a good way for her to play a different role to Clunk and Liz."
"Diane Morgan's blunt deadpan humour would be a big change. Imaging the commissioner dealing with her," added another. "Really the show needs a massive change up as it's been getting stale, so Diane all the way."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- James Martin forced to issue urgent warning to fans as he pleads 'be safe' over worrying scam
- Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke under fire for 'cringe' BBC show as viewers fume 'why am I paying for this!'
- James May, 61, says 'older white blokes' are 'written off' as he makes feelings clear on 'toxic masculinity'
Death in Paradise: Could the next lead detective be played by a female actor?
BBC/GETTY
The praise kept going over on X, formerly Twitter, with another fan saying: "I'm loving these articles suggesting Diane Morgan as a contender for the new lead in #DeathInParadise, can't see it happening, but she would be epic." (sic)
However, another female actor to find themselves in the conversation is Roisin Conaty, with one Redditor describing the After Life star as their "dream" replacement.
Death in Paradise fans will just have to keep their eyes peeled for now as bosses mull over who'll play the lead role next.
Meanwhile, the show's spin-off Beyond Paradise is currently airing on the BBC - although its return did spark some disgruntled viewers to slam the latest storyline as "embarrassingly bad".
