Ardal O'Hanlon has paid tribute to his former role in Death in Paradise with a clever nod in his latest novel. The Irish comedian and writer, who portrayed DI Jack Mooney in the hit BBC crime drama from 2017 to 2020, has immortalised the show in his new book, A Plot to Die For.
A Clever Premise
In an interview with The Radio Times Magazine, O'Hanlon revealed that his protagonist Finn, a celebrity gardener who returns to Ireland to care for his mother, settles down to watch an episode of Death in Paradise. O'Hanlon explained: 'I thought it would be a brilliant premise, imagining myself back in Guadeloupe being an actor on the show, who off-set was investigating a real murder.'
He added: 'I think I would be a good detective! When I was doing Death in Paradise, I didn't even have to read the scripts to the end; I always knew whodunnit! Also, for both Finn and me, people do confide in us. I don't know if it's my angelic face or that I'm familiar off the TV, but strangers will tell me their innermost secrets.'
Inspiration from the Show
The idea for the novel first emerged during O'Hanlon's time on The One Show, where he discussed how filming Death in Paradise sparked his creativity. He remarked: 'I did 24 episodes. It must have been at least 30 murders. I didn't even have to read the script, I knew who did it.' He also noted that while on set, he was 'always trying to dream up imaginative kinds of murders.'
Departure from the Series
O'Hanlon previously addressed his exit from Death in Paradise, stating it was a mutual decision. He told The Mirror: 'From day one, it was always going to be like three series. As it turned out, I ended up doing part of a fourth series as well, before the handover to Ralf Little's character. So to be honest with you, you just wouldn't be fit to do any more than that. It's very gruelling, and you're away from home for a very long time. So, you know, that was always the plan.'
The Future of Death in Paradise
The current lead of Death in Paradise is Don Gilet, and the BBC has recently confirmed the series has been recommissioned for another two series. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: 'Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength. It's with great pleasure that we share the news that we'll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.'
Tim Key, Executive Producer at Red Planet Pictures, commented: 'We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do. The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can't wait to get started again - we've got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space...'
Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
