Ardal, 54, has been playing the role of DI Jack Mooney for two years and will be bowing out in the next series of Death in Paradise after announcing his exit from the BBC drama earlier this month. It seems a new character will be hot on his heels as the popular show have teased a new character is making their way to Saint-Marie.
Fans have been assured they haven’t seen the last of Jack (played by Ardal O’Hanlon) as he will be leaving his loyal team of detectives mid-way through next year’s action-packed series.
It’s not yet known exactly how the main character will make his exit from the show, with the BBC remaining tight lipped around the circumstances of his departure from the fictional island.
With the hit drama commissioned beyond the Ardal’s exit from the show, the rumour mill has been in over-drive on who will be replacing him.
This morning, the official Twitter account for the popular programme has dropped a huge teaser on the identity of who will be stepping into the coveted role.
READ MORE: Death in Paradise: Why is Ardal O’Hanlon leaving Death in Paradise?
The new detective is seen sitting on a hammock, starring out onto the sunny shores of the Caribbean Island, dressed to impressed with a backpack on his person.
Although the mystery character is the main focus of the image, there is no glimpse of who is actually taking on the role, with fans only left with the back of the man’s head to make their guesses.
Captioning the image, the post reads: “Greetings from the Caribbean! Here’s a sneak peek of the new DI taking over from Ardal O’Hanlon to unravel the island’s murder mysteries.
In response to the announcement, viewers of the hit murder mystery drama have flocked to the social media site to theorise the identity of the new character and adding to the ring a whole manner of actors who could could have been cast.
A further announcement is sure to follow in the coming months, or the identity could be kept under wraps until the crossover transmissions.
Over the course of the show’s eight year history, there have been three detectives leading the cases against the murderers of the fictional island of Saint Marie.
Comedian Ben Miller, 53, was the programme’s first ever leading character, playing the role of Richard Poole before he was replaced by My Family star Kris Marshall, 46, portraying the role of Humphrey Goodman before Ardal stepped in.
Having also come from a comedic background, will it be another humorous actor filling the shoes of Jack? Could it be Hugh Laurie, 60.
Explaining his reason for leaving, Ardal said: “I’ve spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing DI Jack Mooney (solving over 20 murder cases in my time there!)
“It’s been a hugely rewarding and unforgettable experience, working with incredibly talented actors, directors and crew while discovering a magical part of the world.
“However, it’s time to move on and explore other opportunities – preferably nearer the Arctic Circle.
“I’m confident that Death in Paradise will go from strength to strength and viewers will share my enthusiasm for Jack’s successor!”
Death in Paradise returns next year on BBC One.
