Ardal O'Hanlon has paid tribute to his time on Death in Paradise in his latest novel, A Plot to Die For. The Irish comedian and writer, who played DI Jack Mooney in the hit BBC series from 2017 to 2020, has included a scene in which his protagonist watches an episode of the show.
The novel's central character, Finn, is a celebrity gardener in the UK who returns to Ireland to look after his mother. Speaking to The Radio Times Magazine, 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."
O'Hanlon, who handed the role to Ralf Little before Don Gilet took over, also revealed his confidence in his detective abilities. "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!" he said. He added that people often confide in him, whether due to his "angelic face" or familiarity from television.
The actor previously told The One Show that his time on the series sparked the novel's inspiration, noting: "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." On his departure, he told The Mirror that leaving after three series (plus part of a fourth) was always the plan, citing the gruelling schedule and time away from home.
Meanwhile, the BBC recently announced that Death in Paradise has been recommissioned for two further series and Christmas specials. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, described the show as "a global phenomenon", while executive producer Tim Key hinted at "something very special lined up" for the 16th season.
