After another all-too-brief cameo in Return to Paradise season two, Ardal O’Hanlon has teased that more DI Jack Mooney could be on the way.
The Father Ted star was the third detective to lead Death in Paradise from seasons six to nine, and became known as one of the more off-piste investigators who nevertheless settled into life on Saint Marie far quicker than his predecessors.
Throughout the show he worked through the grief of his late wife Kathleen and eventually found love again with Anna, however he ultimately decided to leave the island and return to London with his daughter Siobhan.
Since then, O’Hanlon has had multiple cameos in the Australian spin-off Return To Paradise, acting as Detective Sergeant Mackenzie’s long-distance mentor.
However, it seems the call of Saint Marie’s theme song might be growing stronger as when asked if he would ever return to the original series he said: “I would never say never. They say you should never go back, but I don’t know.
“I loved my time on it, and as time elapses between the last series I did and now, I look on it even more fondly.”
Speaking exclusively to Radio Times he continued: “I was relieved not to have to do it anymore, because, as any of the actors will tell you, it’s quite a gruelling experience, but it was such a great job in so many ways, and a great life experience.
“Who knows, I might go back for a Christmas special, or you know, dip my toe in those warm waters again.”
Or, as an alternative, O’Hanlon had other ambitions. “I was hoping that they might create, you know, a spin-off set in the west of Ireland, or something,” he said, “Somewhere close to home for me, or maybe Corsica. Wouldn’t you get a little petition going?”
Well, it’s safe to say fans would be all to happy to see more DI Mooney in whatever form — O’Hanlon has certainly made it clear that his detective skills are still up to scratch.
“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.”
Death in Paradise has just confirmed its renewal for two more seasons with Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson set to return.
Following the announcement Lindsay Salt, director of BBC drama, said in a statement: “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.”
Let’s just get that new spin-off sorted in the meantime, eh BBC?
Death in Paradise season 1-15 are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Add Death in Paradise to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
