Death in Paradise fans fans 'fill the void' as they find 'perfect' series replacement

Death in Paradise fans may have discovered the ideal substitute for their favourite detective series until it makes a comeback later in the year.

The new thriller, Ludwig, starring screen favourites David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin, has been heaped with praise from viewers as "the best series from the BBC in years" and there's already a clamour for more episodes.

Streaming weekly, the entire six-part series is available on BBC . In this compelling drama, Peep Show's David Mitchell embodies the role of John Ludwig Taylor, an awkward crossword constructor whose life is upended after his twin brother, a law enforcement officer, vanishes without a trace.

Encouraged by his sister-in-law Lucy, played by the renowned Line Of Duty and Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin, John is thrust into a risky charade, impersonating his brother in a dangerous bid to find him. The show's jaw-dropping finale left fans hanging precariously following a shock twist involving John's lost brother, just as he and Lucy unearth a critical lead.

David Mitchell, while chatting with the , expressed optimism about the series' future: "Yes, that's certainly our hope that it will carry on. Fingers crossed. Of course, you just hope that people enjoy the first series," reports .

But for enthusiasts of Death in Paradise, it appears Ludwig has hit all the right notes, and some are touting it as the flawless fill-in for their much-loved tropical mystery series.

Fans of the sun-soaked drama Death in Paradise have been buzzing on a dedicated fan page, with one devotee posting: "#Ludwig really is #DeathInParadise but in Cambridge. Perfect afternoon telly. And I can't laud Anna Maxwell Martin enough."

Another chimed in with a comparison: "It is easy watching like Death in Paradise except it is Cambridge. and if you love Beethoven, it is interesting to hear the music reworked."

Some were pleasantly surprised by a new offer: "The new David Mitchell crime thing is actually alright, lads. Might fill the void left by Death In Paradise," read another comment.

With echoes of approval, a fan exclaimed: "For fans of Death in Paradise comes another murder-solving series. David Mitchell being David Mitchell!"

One viewer summed up their binge-watching experience: "I have just finished watching Ludwig on BBC. I think it's excellent, and it reminded me a lot of Death in Paradise. It's funny, interesting and some really bonkers solutions to cases."

The beloved show Death in Paradise will grace screens once again in 2025, introducing viewers to a fresh-faced detective. The baton has been passed to , who fills the shoes of Ralf Little as the enigmatic DI of Saint Marie.

Expressing his elation about stepping into this coveted role, the former baddie shared: "Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.

"This is a big show, with a big heart, and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled, and dedicated."

"Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer, whichever happens to be closer at the time.

Ludwig is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.