Ardal O’Hanlon has quit ‘Death in Paradise’.
The 54-year-old actor will bow out of his role as detective Jack Mooney in the BBC One drama show after four summers of solving murder mysteries on the fictional island of Saint Marie.
He said: "I’ve spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing DI Jack Mooney, solving over 20 murder cases in my time there.
"It’s been a hugely rewarding and unforgettable experience, working with incredibly talented actors, directors and crew while discovering a magical part of the world.
"However, it’s time to move on and explore other opportunities – preferably nearer the Arctic Circle.
"I’m confident that ‘Death in Paradise’ will go from strength to strength and viewers will share my enthusiasm for Jack’s successor."
Ardal’s exit will air during the upcoming ninth series of the show, which will feature on BBC One from January 2020.
But the BBC are keeping details of Jack’s departure under wraps.
Tommy Bulfin, commissioning editor of BBC Drama added: "We will be sad to say goodbye to DI Jack Mooney when the time comes, our audiences have loved the joy and humour he has brought to the Saint Marie police force over the last four series.
"Everyone at the BBC would like thank Ardal for his time on Death in Paradise but it’s not the end just yet; as one door closes another one opens, and we are very excited about what’s to come in the next chapter."
Death in Paradise’s 10th series has already been commissioned by the BBC.
Ardal O’Hanlon quits Death in Paradise
