British actor Kris Marshall, the star of BBC One’s ‘Death In Paradise’ for the last four years, has decided to quit the show, to be replaced by Ardal O’Hanlon.

43 year old Marshall has played DI Humphrey Goodman on the detective drama since 2014, a series that’s filmed on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe for six months each year. However, he’s bowing out because he wants to spend more time with his young family, he said in an announcement on Thursday (February 2nd).

“’Death In Paradise’ has been an incredible experience, six months every year filming on a tropical island in the sunshine - what's not to love!” Marshall said. His final appearance as the bumbling detective will come when the sixth series finishes next week, on February 9th.

Kris MarshallKris Marshall is quitting 'Death In Paradise' at the end of the current sixth series

“Humphrey was socially awkward and clumsy but also brilliant, I'll miss him but it's time to hand over to someone new and spend more time with my family. I know Ardal will do a superb job and I just hope Humphrey gets a happy ending!”

Explainig his decision, Marshall revealed that the latest series was the first time that his wife Hannah, and their two young children Thomas (4) and Elsie (1), did not join him in Guadeloupe as it was being filmed. Consequently, they had to keep in touch long distance, which Marshall found to be intolerable.

“We did Skype about once a week,” he recently told The Sun about filming the current series. “But my son got bored very quickly. It's like: 'Seeing your face is one thing, but if you can't play with me then you're no real use to me so I'm gonna go off and do something else.' You just end up coming off FaceTime feeling quite bereft and actually quite empty.”

O’Hanlon will be making an appearance as Marshall’s replacement, DI Jack Mooney, straight away in the episode to be shown the same day as the announcement, Thursday 2nd February.

The 51 year old Irish actor, famous for his roles in ‘Father Ted’ and ‘My Hero’, said: “I am delighted to be joining ‘Death In Paradise’ and exploring what's made Mooney up and leave London for a life in the Caribbean. I've already had a taste of filming in Guadeloupe and can't wait to get back.”

More: Kris Marshall held for ransom by Congolese warlords [archive]