Ben Miller is to leave BBC One’s hit Caribbean cop show Death in Paradise, the BBC and series producers Red Planet Pictures announced today.
Miller’s character DI Richard Poole will leave during the course of the third series which starts filming on the island of Guadeloupe from next month.
He will be replaced by the “disorganised and gawky” DI Humphrey Goodman played by Kris Marshall.
Producers are keeping the circumstances of Poole’s departure a secret.
Commenting on his departure, Miller said: “I have absolutely loved my time on Death in Paradise and am sad to be leaving such a successful show, however DI Poole has made no secret of his struggle with the Caribbean heat, so I felt now was a good time to put him out of his misery!
“I know Kris will do a superb job and I’m delighted to be handing over the detective baton to him.”
Former My Family and BT advert star Marshall said he was “thrilled to be joining Death in Paradise”.
He added: “Six months filming on a tropical island with an amazing cast and glorious sunshine? What isn’t there to love! I might even get myself a parrot!”
Executive Producer Belinda Campbell said: “Ben Miller is an excellent actor and has played the part of DI Richard Poole magnificently for two series, and we’re very sad to be saying goodbye.
“However we’re thrilled to be welcoming Kris Marshall on board who we know will be brilliant in the role of Humphrey. He will bring with him dishevelled charm, sparkle, quick wit, and a razor-sharp intelligence in solving crimes.”