Death in Paradise's Ardal O'Hanlon on real reason he left BBC show over 'concern'

Former Death in Paradise detective Ardal O'Hanlon lead the hit BBC show for three years as Detective Inspector Jack Mooney. The Father Ted actor left the role in 2020 after becoming 'concerned' about his 'sharpness'.

In an interview with Radio Times, Ardal said his stint on the French-Caribbean island of Guadeloupe was an "incredible" experience, but admitted he feared he couldn't return to stand up if he played the character for any longer.

"It's a tough gig, physically draining," he admitted. "You're working in incredible conditions and cannot sustain the intensity. And I wanted to go back to stand-up."

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He added: "If I'd left it another year, all my sharpness as a stand-up would have gone."

The Royle Family's Ralf Little took over the role as new character Detective Inspector Neville Parker. But Ralf announced he was leaving after the latest series aired earlier this year.

Chatting to BBC Breakfast about his decision to leave the fictional island of St Marie, Ralf revealed that it was always the plan for him to leave following his fifth season, explaining: “You know, this last series was always going to be my last series.

"I spoke to the BBC and Red Planet, the production company, and we all agreed.“If it was just a heart decision I would have wanted to do it for 20 more years. But just for the show and for my character Neville it just sort of felt like his story was finished and his journey deserved to be completed. He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right.”

Now gearing up for a Christmas special later this year, Death in Paradise has confirmed former EastEnders actor Don Gilet will be taking over as the show's new lead. Set to make his debut in the upcoming feature-length festive special, Gilet will play Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson.