An actor from the hit BBC series Death in Paradise has disclosed that one of the show's original leading stars battled the sweltering conditions on set so severely that his wardrobe had to be specially altered in a major way.
Extreme Heat Challenges on Guadeloupe
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, Gavin and Stacey favourite Steffan Rhodri, 58, who features as a guest star in series 15 of the beloved crime drama, discussed the significant challenges of performing in such extreme temperatures. Death in Paradise is filmed on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, where the heat can climb beyond 30 degrees Celsius, presenting substantial difficulties for the cast and production team who must endure the scorching heat and oppressive humidity throughout filming.
Ben Miller's Costume Crisis
During an interview about his appearance on the programme, Steffan revealed he was informed that conditions proved especially taxing for the original actor portraying the lead detective, Ben Miller. Steffan explained that Ben found it so unbearable, the wardrobe team had to drastically alter his character's clothing to cope with the intense climate.
The star said: "I do admire them in the heat. Ben Miller apparently, the first hero in it, the first detective cop in the first series, he really struggled the heat. The costume department told me after the first week they remade all his costumes so they had no backs to them, and they only shot him from the front...because he couldn't stand being fully clothed in it."
Steffan added his own experience, noting: "When you do scenes outside, and I had quite a few scene in a car, and it's an old fashioned sports car with no air conditioning it's absolutely roasting, the hot, red, and sweaty look is totally authentic."
Miller's Departure and Current Projects
Ben Miller starred in Death in Paradise from 2011 to 2014 as DI Richard Poole, but departed after series three when his character met his demise. Whilst the decision left fans heartbroken, Ben explained that his exit was driven by a desire to put his personal life first.
He revealed to Digital Spy: "Two weeks after I arrived in the Caribbean, Jessica found out that she was pregnant. I've just got divorced and I've finally met somebody and now I'm on the other side of the world and we're having a baby. That's a proper curveball to be on the end of. So I knew what I had to do to get my wife back – quit Death in Paradise."
Ben Miller is currently married to producer Jessica Parker. His most recent crime drama, Professor T, features the actor playing a criminology professor living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who assists police in solving cases. Much like Death in Paradise, Professor T has become a massive success with audiences and can now be watched on ITV's streaming service.
Future Series and Schedule Changes
Three series of Professor T have already aired, with a fourth and fifth series reportedly being developed. Confirming the news on Instagram, Ben wrote: "Last week we wrapped Season 5 of Professor T! Another few months spent filming with the most hard working crew and cast who give their all to this show. It's always a pleasure."
In related scheduling news, Death in Paradise won't be broadcast on Friday evening (February 13th) as originally scheduled due to clashing with the FA Cup. The programme will instead make its comeback on BBC One on Monday 16th, allowing fans to enjoy the tropical mystery without competition from football coverage.
