close
close

Death in Paradise’s Ardal O’Hanlon addresses ‘real reason’ he quit series as Jack Mooney

Death in Paradise’s Ardal O’Hanlon has shared his reasons for departing the much-loved BBC series. The 58 year old, renowned for roles in Father Ted and My Hero, won over fans as DI Jack Mooney from 2017 to 2020.

Ardal called it quits after three years of crime-solving under the Caribbean sun, making his departure public in 2019. Speaking with Radio Times in a previous interview, the actor delved into his motives behind the exit.

His decision was influenced by a desire to return to stand-up comedy and to spend more time with family, with the show’s filming abroad significantly cutting into his home life.

“I suppose I didn’t think I’d be doing anything for a fourth series,” he revealed. “I really thought three series would be the max, you know. Because it’s quite a demanding show… it’s a tough old show in terms of being away from home for so long and in terms of the conditions that you film in the heat and the humidity.”

Ardal reminisced about his tenure on Death In Paradise as “really amazing”, despite the challenging conditions. Matters of family, specifically spending time with his children Emily, Rebecca, and Red, and his wife Melanie factored into his decision, reports OK!,

Ralf Little replaced Ardal O’Hanlon -Credit:(Image: BBC)

“I think she (Melanie) found it very tough because we’ve got three big grown-up kids living in the house and she’s got a lot on her plate, so I think she was finding it tougher as the years went on,” he said.

“And I was missing them all hugely as well, so I thought it made sense.”

Following his departure from the much-loved series, it was announced that Ralf Little, 44, would be taking over the role of Detective Inspector Neville Parker on Death in Paradise.

The actor was ecstatic about joining the BBC show, stating it took him “less than 0.0005 seconds” to accept the part.

However despite being the show’s longest-standing detective, earlier this year, Ralf confirmed he was leaving the show.

Soon after, show bosses confirmed former EastEnders star Don Gilet would be taking his place as the new DI.

“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,” Don beamed.

“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 task which always happens to be closer at the time!”