The main detectives of Death in Paradise were tempted to go to the fictional island of Saint Marie for the warm climate and idyllic lifestyle, but so far none of the actors playing the role have stayed for long.
Over its 13 series, four actors have taken on the role of the island’s chief detective, including Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon and Ralf Little.
Speculation has grown that Ralf, 44, will be the latest star to leave the show after joining as DI Neville Parker midway through series nine.
The series, filmed in Guadeloupe and which has seen more than 70 murders, ends its current series on Sunday night.
There has been talk that the episode will be the last appearance on the show for Ralf’s character Neville, who is the show’s longest-serving DI.
During series 13, four actors have taken on the role of the island’s chief detective, including Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon and Ralf Little (pictured).
A program source told Mirror: ‘Ralf has been brilliant in the role and has given him a good long-term trajectory. “The fans will surely be sad to see him go, but they will also be happy for Neville.”
During the penultimate episode of the series, Neville hinted at his replacement when he talked about having to make them a list of his lizard Harry’s dietary requirements.
Neville has spoken about a ‘journey’ he will take to find The One after failing to find love on the island.
The escape was motivated by the arrival of his ex-girlfriend, who came looking for him in the hopes of rekindling their relationship.
The first actor to take on the role of Saint Marie’s Detective Inspector was Ben Miller, who played DI Richard Poole.
Despite hating the place upon arrival and throughout the first series, Richard eventually settled into island life.
However, tragedy struck at the end of series three when DI Poole was murdered with a bag of ice after uncovering the mystery of a stolen identity.
Ben’s exit was orchestrated after discovering he was ready to become a father.
The first actor to take on the role of Saint Marie’s Detective Inspector was Ben Miller, who played DI Richard Poole (pictured).
He previously said: “Two weeks after I arrived in the Caribbean, Jessica discovered she was pregnant.”
‘I just got divorced and finally met someone and now I’m on the other side of the world and we’re having a baby.
“That’s a real curveball to get on the end of.” So I knew what I had to do to get my wife back: leave Death in Paradise!’
Ben returned to the show during its 10th anniversary and did not rule out returning to the show in the future.
In 2016, he told Digital Spy: “Yes, of course I would.” That would be so much fun! I love the character, he’s fantastic and fun to do. But to be honest, it’s not talked about at all. It was pretty definitive, I thought!’
The next actor to take on the role was My Family’s Kris Marshall, who played bumbling DI Humphrey Goodman.
His character found love on the island with DS Bordey and seemed much better suited to the lifestyle than his predecessor.
In the show, DI Goodman decided to stay in London with Martha after completing a case. But he actually left the show to focus on his family in 2017.
He told Radio Times he had reached an agreement with his wife Hannah to do the show only “for a few years”.
The next actor to take on the role was My Family’s Kris Marshall, who played bumbling DI Humphrey Goodman.
He said: ‘It’s something my wife and I discussed three or four years ago. ‘When I was first offered the job, my son was six months old and my wife wasn’t working, so it was a very easy decision.
‘We decided I would do Death in Paradise for a few years until it became impractical. It was always something quite finite. I certainly didn’t hide it from anyone I work with. I’m going to miss him terribly. There have already been times when I have asked myself: “Have I made the right decision?”
In June 2021, she told Lorraine Kelly: ‘I realized I really had to take my son to school. He was becoming too Caribbean: he refused to wear shoes and only drank coconut water and ate pineapple.”
He continued: “He was very good at the beach, but not so good at maths and English, so I decided it was time to take him to school.” So the show had to end, really. But six months later, at 4am, I’m on a film set in a car park in Dagenham and thinking: “Have I made the right decision?”
Following his departure, Father Ted actor Ardal O’Hanlon joined the show as DI Jack Mooney as Christmas cover, before staying on for the next three years.
DI Mooney left the sunny shores behind to return to London with her daughter Siobhan, rather than pursue a romance with love interest Anna.
Speaking about his departure, Ardal said: “I have spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing DI Jack Mooney, solving over 20 murder cases during my time there.”
“It has been a hugely rewarding and unforgettable experience, working with incredibly talented actors, directors and crew while discovering a magical part of the world.”
Hinting that there was more to his departure, he added: “It’s time to move on and explore other opportunities, preferably closer to the Arctic Circle.”
Following his departure, Father Ted actor Ardal O’Hanlon joined the show as DI Jack Mooney as Christmas cover, before staying on for the next three years.