“Death in Paradise” has already replaced a number of main actors. Ardal O'Hanlon, also known as DI Jack Mooney, is now giving fans some insight.
On December 22nd, a new chief investigator will take up his duties on “Death in Paradise” in the big Christmas special. Don Gilet will really shake up the island crime story as DI Mervin Wilson. But Ardal O'Hanlon, one of his predecessors, known to fans as DI Jack Mooney, is now issuing a warning. It's about the enormous workload that “DiP” brings with it. If O'Hanlon is to be believed, this could be the real reason why the series constantly has to change its cast.
Ardal O'Hanlon talks about the grueling shoot of Death in Paradise
The 59-year-old Irishman O'Hanlon was the face of “Death in Paradise” from 2017 to 2020. However, success came at a high price for the actor, as he now explains in an interview with the Brit Mirror revealed. During his main time filming, he worked 12-hour shifts, six days a week. The exertions and the isolated life on the Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe had taken a toll on him both physically and mentally.
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It was grueling because there was so much work. You are constantly busy preparing and hardly have time to enjoy the surroundings. I was so jealous of the guest actors – they would come for a week or two, shoot for a few days and sit by the pool with cocktails the rest of the time. Meanwhile I was working my ass off!
The producer of “Death in Paradise” even warned O’Hanlon in advance that he would probably only last three years. Shortly before his arrival on the fictional island of Saint Marie, he was told one last time that it was not too late to make a decision. All in all, O'Hanlon still says he's happy he was able to get involved as DI Jack Mooney. The role changed his entire life – obviously for the better.
“Death in Paradise” is in its 14th season
“Death in Paradise” started its 14th season in 2025, which will then be led by the new lead actor Gilet. Before Ardal O'Hanlon, Ben Miller (as DI Richard Poole), Ralf Little (as DI Neville Parker) and Kris Marshall (as DI Humphrey Goodman) starred as chief intermediaries. Joséphine Jobert, who fans know as Florence Cassell, also recently made a prominent exit. The actress will soon have her own format with the Canadian crime thriller “Saint-Pierre”.
In this country, “DiP” can currently be seen on Sky streamer WOW (with eleven seasons), on Disney+ and on the Prime Video channel BBC Player (with twelve seasons each). Some episodes are also available free of charge in the ZDFmediathek. The new season 13 will be released on DVD on January 24, 2025, but has not yet received an official start date on German television.
