Death in Paradise fans react as return of ‘favourite’ detective in own spin-off ‘exposed’

Devotees of Death in Paradise are crossing their fingers for a comeback of one of the most beloved detectives to get his moment in the spotlight with a new spin-off.

The charming Ardal O’Hanlon, who brought DI Jack Mooney to life, has left fans wanting more following his appearance in the recent spin-off, Return to Paradise.

Even though there’s no word from the BBC on whether Jack Mooney might be gracing our screens in his own title role, it’s not out of the ordinary, given DI Humphrey Goodman’s (played by Kris Marshall) ongoing stint in Beyond Paradise.

A fervent supporter took to the Death in Paradise Facebook fan group to voice their wish: “I think they need to make a spin-off featuring DI Jack Mooney.”

Another fan piped up, saying, “I would love that, he is still my favourite DI,” while yet another chimed in, “I’d like to see that.”

Ardal and Josephine(Image: (Image: BBC))

The comments section lit up with approval; one succinctly put it, “YES!” while another enthused, “I would love that, he is the best,” reports the Express.

Adding fuel to the speculative fire, a fan tossed in another idea: “Camille could make guest appearances along with Dwayne if he is helping his dad in London.”

Echoing this sentiment, a fellow enthusiast said: “I’d love to see Jack again.”

Jack’s character wrapped up his sunny escapades in Saint Marie during the ninth season of Death in Paradise, opting to return to London in pursuit of his daughter Siobhan.

Jack’s followers were in for a treat when he made a splash in last year’s Australian spin-off Return to Paradise, taking on the role of boss to the tenacious McKenzie Clarke, portrayed by Anna Samson.

Discussing his departure from Death in Paradise with Radio Times, Ardal O’Hanlon previously remarked: “I suppose I didn’t think I’d be doing anything for a fourth series. I really thought three series would be the max, you know. Because it’s quite a demanding show… it’s a tough old show in terms of being away from home for so long and in terms of the conditions that you film in the heat and the humidity.”

He also touched on the impact on his family life, saying, “I think she [Melanie] found it very tough because we’ve got three big grown-up kids living in the house and she’s got a lot on her plate, so I think she was finding it tougher as the years went on,” before concluding, “And I was missing them all hugely as well, so I think it made sense.”