Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise detective says ‘he might’ as he opens up on return to BBC series
EXCLUSIVE: Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise has seen many detectives come and go over the years.
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise star Ardal O’Hanlon has opened up about whether he would ever return to the series as Detective Jack Mooney. The actor was replaced by Ralf Little in the drama after his character decided to move back to London to be with his daughter.
Ardal also has returned to the Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise franchise after making a cameo appearance in the Australian spin-off, Return to Paradise.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Reach PLC, the comedian, who is also currently on tour with his stand-up show, addressed whether he would want to return.
He admitted, “My instinct would be no, but at the same time, you never know. Do you know what I mean?
“I suppose he probably should never go back. But you never know. He might pop up; he might end up visiting the island. You just never know, and you never know in this business either.”
Ardal O’Hanlon addressed his return to Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise (Image: BBC)
Ralf Little replaced Ardal in the series (Image: BBC)
When speaking about when he landed the role in the first place, the comedian explained, “I couldn’t believe it when I got the job in the first place on Dᴇᴀᴛʜ 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.”
Ardal played Detective Jack Mooney (Image: BBC)
Ardal O’Hanlon is currently on tour (Image: Getty)
When asked whether leaving the show was a mutual decision, Ardal added, “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.”
“I think the secret of the show’s success is constantly changing the lead detective, you know, before people get bored with them.”
Away from his acting career and his recent cameo in Return to Paradise, Ardal is currently touring the UK with his stand-up tour.
