Death in Paradise actor Ardal O’Hanlon has shared details about who replaced him on the BBC show and the real reason he left his role as Detective Jack Mooney.
Speaking while touring with his stand-up show, “Not Himself,” he talked about what it was like filming the much-loved series in the Caribbean.
I couldn’t believe it when I got the job in the first place on Death in Paradise. Like, it was a very definite pinch-me moment. It’s an iconic show on the BBC, and it’s seen all over the world. And I remember when I first saw that show coming on, with Ben Miller as the detective; I was very jealous. I thought, ‘Why do I never get asked to do things like that?’ and then so fast forward, like five or six years, and I get the call from the executive producer, and I really can’t believe it.
He also looked back on his role in the spin-off, Return to Paradise, saying, reports the Express
Even though the weather was “very harsh,” Ardal said the job was a “lovely job to do”.
The other brilliant thing was just the lifestyle. I was living this very different life. I live a pretty suburban life in Dublin most of the year, and, you know, we can barely go outside because of the rain. So, living in the Caribbean for up to six months of the year was just so special, and even though we were working very hard, and, as I said, the conditions were quite extreme, it was just, it was just such an eye opener. 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, like 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, and there was really very little that was going to change my mind about that.
He added, When asked if leaving as Jack Mooney was a joint decision, Ardal explained, He added
Ardal also said he thinks the show’s success comes from regularly switching the main detective.
Also Read: Death in Paradise’s Ben Miller Shares Exciting News About Beloved Returning Crime Drama
I think the secret of the show’s success is constantly changing the lead detective, you know, before people get bored with them.
Besides his TV work and his role in Return to Paradise, Ardal is now touring the UK with his comedy show.
I suppose it’s where I’m at in my life. I think, like any stand-up show, it’s just a collection of jokes and funny bits and routines. But I suppose it’s all loosely about me, and sort of looking back a little bit about how I arrived at this point, I suppose, as a comedian. I suppose I kind of pinch myself that I’m still doing this at my age after all these years. I’ve been doing this for almost 35 years, and a lot of people don’t think it’s a very grown-up job, but I couldn’t not do it.
Talking with excitement about the tour, Ardal said
Source: Manchestereveningnews