BBC One’s ‘Death in Paradise‘ gets a new ‘Caribbean Cop’

BBC One has announced Kris Marshall (Lightfields, My Family) is to join the third series cast of BBC One’s hit crime drama, ‘Death in Paradise‘ as Ben Miller announces his departure as the lead detective.  

Details of how and when DI Richard Poole, played by Miller (Primeval, Armstrong & Miller) will depart remain tightly under wraps.

Marshall will play bright, but rather disorganised and gawky DI, Humphrey Goodman, who is stuck in a mid-life rut and is looking to find a new life and fresh start. He joins series regulars Sara Martins, Danny John-Jules, Gary Carr and Don Warrington.

Kris Marshall said: “I am thrilled to be joining Death in Paradise and finding out a bit more about what makes Humphrey tick. 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!” 

Ben 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.” 

Belinda Campbell, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures 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.” 

The second series attracted an average audience of just under 8 million. The series is a Red Planet Pictures production in association with Kudos Film and TV and BBC Worldwide, produced with the support of the region of Guadeloupe. It is created by Robert Thorogood and Executive producers are Tony Jordan and Belinda Campbell for Red Planet Pictures and Polly Hill for BBC One.  

Filming on series 3 of ‘Death In Paradise’ starts on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe from next month for transmission in early 2014.