Death in Paradise has featured four different detectives over its 13 seasons, each with their own reasons for leaving the show. DI Richard Poole, played by Ben Miller, was the first to depart after two and a bit seasons. He left because he wanted to save his relationship and was about to become a father. Kris Marshall then took over as DI Humphrey Goodman but left after three seasons due to the pressure the role put on his young family. He felt it was time to move on and explore other opportunities.
Next, Ardal O’Hanlon played DI Jack Mooney, who decided to leave the show after three years to return to London with his daughter. Ardal cited the need to explore other opportunities as his reason for departing the show. The series then introduced DI Neville Parker, portrayed by Ralf Little, who recently exited the show after four years to pursue a new life with romantic interest DS Florence Cassell. Ralf expressed his love for the role but felt it was time for his character’s story to come to a fitting end.
Ben Miller’s character, Richard Poole, was murdered at a university reunion in season three with an ice pick. Despite his character’s unfortunate demise, Ben made a return for the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the show. Kris Marshall’s character, Humphrey Goodman, fell in love with DS Bordey during his time on the show and decided to stay in Saint Marie after solving a special case in London. Ardal O’Hanlon’s DI Jack Mooney first appeared as a temporary replacement but later became a permanent member of the team before choosing to return to London.
While each actor had their own personal reasons for leaving the show, they all expressed their fondness for their time on the series. Despite challenges and pressures, they all recognized the unique experience of working on a show set in a tropical paradise solving murder mysteries. As new detective roles open up, the show continues to evolve, and fans eagerly anticipate the introduction of a new lead detective to carry on the legacy of Death in Paradise. The departures of the previous detectives have left a mark on the show, but their contributions will always be remembered by fans.
