Ardal O’Hanlon has confirmed he’s quit detective drama Death in Paradise after three years.
The 54-year-old actor will bow out of his role as DI Jack Mooney during the upcoming series of the BBC1 drama show set on the fictional island of Saint Marie.
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He said: “I’ve spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing DI Jack Mooney, solving over 20 murder cases in my time there.
“It’s been a hugely rewarding and unforgettable experience, working with incredibly talented actors, directors and crew while discovering a magical part of the world.
“However, it’s time to move on and explore other opportunities – preferably nearer the Arctic Circle.”
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He continued: “I’m confident that Death in Paradise will go from strength to strength and viewers will share my enthusiasm for Jack’s successor.”
Ardal’s exit will air during the upcoming ninth series of the show, which will go out on BBC1 in January 2020.
But, as yet, the BBC are keeping details of Jack’s departure – and replacement – under wraps.
Tommy Bulfin, commissioning editor of BBC Drama added: “We will be sad to say goodbye to DI Jack Mooney when the time comes, our audiences have loved the joy and humour he has brought to the Saint Marie police force over the last four series.
“Everyone at the BBC would like thank Ardal for his time on Death in Paradise but it’s not the end just yet; as one door closes another one opens, and we are very excited about what’s to come in the next chapter.”
And be prepared for an emotional exit, as executive producer Tim Key hinted: “I don’t think there will be a dry eye in the house.”
With a 10th series of the drama having already been commissioned by the BBC, the murders are set to continue without Ardal.
The series – which is one of the BBC’s most popular shows – started in 2011 with Ben Miller at the helm as DI Richard Poole, but he was replaced by Kris Marshall’s DI Humphrey Goodman in 2014.
Ardal joined the cast in 2017, but who will replace him?
Kris recently admitted he’d love to return to the series, after bowing out in 2017 to spend more time with his family.
“Would I go back, and do a cameo in Death in Paradise?” he said during a press event for upcoming ITV drama Sanditon. “Unequivocally yes.”
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