Ardal O’Hanlon to leave cast of Death In Paradise in next series

Ardal O’Hanlon will make his final appearance in the cast of Death In Paradise next series.

O’Hanlon plays D.I. Jack Mooney in the sun-soaked detective drama.

However, after three years of leading the squad in solving the idyllic Island’s murder mysteries, O’Hanlon has made the decision to depart the sunny shores of Guadeloupe to explore other opportunities.

O’Hanlon 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. I’m confident that Death In Paradise will go from strength to strength and viewers will share my enthusiasm for Jack’s successor!”

Ardal will leave screens during series nine, which will air on BBC One from January 2020.

The BBC tease: “Viewers will need to tune in to see exactly how and why he departs.”

Red Planet Pictures Executive Producer Tim Key said: “They say never meet your heroes, but working with Ardal is everything I could have hoped for. He’s a fantastic actor and a lovely man and we will all miss him enormously.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for his time as our lead detective and his story isn’t over yet – viewers will have to see how, why and when Jack Mooney leaves, but I don’t think there will be a dry eye in the house.”

Since launching in 2011, Death In Paradise remains one of television’s highest-rating dramas, with the recent eighth series pulling in an average of over seven million consolidated viewers.

Tommy Bulfin, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama, commented: “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.”

Series 9 will air on BBC One in 2020 with a tenth series already commissioned.