Ardal O’Hanlon’s shares nod to Death in Paradise in new murder mystery novel
The former Death in Paradise star references the BBC programme in his own murder mystery novel.
Ardal O’Hanlon played DI Jack Mooney for three seasons (Image: BBC)
Ardal O’Hanlon has paid tribute to Death in Paradise in his new novel.
The Irish comedian and author played DI Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise between 2017 and 2020, before handing over to Ralf Little.
Though he bid farewell to the beloved Caribbean series, Ardal has commemorated it in his new book, A Plot to Die For.
He revealed that his character Finn, a celebrity gardner in the UK who returns home to Ireland to care for his mother, sits down to watch an episode of Death in Paradise.
Ardal told The Radio Times Magazine: “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.”
He added: “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! Also, for both Finn and me, people do confide in us. I don’t know if it’s my angelic face or that I’m familiar off the TV, but strangers will tell me their innermost secrets.”
This comes after Ardal revealing on The One Show that filming Death in Paradise sparked the idea for his new book.
He said: “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.”
Ardal continued: “When I was there I was always trying to dream up imaginative kind of murders.”
Ardal previously addressed his BBC exit (Image: BBC)
He previously addressed his exit from the show, insisting it was a joint decision.
Ardal told The Mirror: “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 [Neville Parker]. So to be honest with you, like you just wouldn’t be fit to do any more than that.”
He added: “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.”
Death in Paradise has been renewed for two more seasons (Image: BBC)
The Death in Paradise lead is now played by Don Gilet, with the BBC recently confirming the series has been recommissioned for another two series.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength. It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”
Tim Key, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures commented: “We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do.
“The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can’t wait to get started again – we’ve got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space…”
