Death in Paradise star Ardal O'Hanlon has discussed the reasons for his departure.

In October, the BBC show announced that O'Hanlon would be leaving his role as DI Jack Mooney in the ninth series. Ralf Little will replace him.

Speaking to Metro, O'Hanlon said that a number of factors contributed to his decision, including reasons linked to the filming location and his character.

josephine jobert and ardal o'hanlon in death in paradise
Red Planet Pictures/Denis Guyenon//BBC

"There's never just one specific reason, but I feel like I overstayed my welcome and it was four summers of my life spent away from my family. They need me!" he said.

"I feel like you can get too much of a good thing, and I think this is the kind of show that traditionally has always changed the lead, because it is a very demanding job and you are away from home for huge periods of time.

"You know, something has to give, and also in terms of the character, I don't think [there] was anywhere else for it to go, really."

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ardal o'hanlon in death in paradise
Denis Guyenon//BBC

Meanwhile, executive producer Tim Key told Digital Spy there currently aren't any plans for a return for Kris Marshall, but didn't rule out something happening in the future.

"He's like everyone – you know, he had a great time on the show. And if we had the right story, I'm sure he'd come back. It could happen. Kris is great," he said.

Death in Paradise airs on BBC One. You can also catch up on series 1-8 on Amazon Prime Video.


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