Death in Paradise is making a return to BBC One, with Mervin Wilson (portrayed by Don Gilet) finally settling into Saint Marie's way of life. The latest episode sees him attending a local women's footie match, but the game takes a dark turn when the team's star player is discovered dead in the changing room at half-time.
As Mervyn feels the heat from Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) to solve the very public murder, fans are getting nostalgic, reminiscing about their favourite inspectors from the show's history.
Ardal O'Hanlon entered Death in Paradise in its sixth series as DI Jack Mooney, a recent widower grappling with the death of his wife. He remained part of the ensemble until series nine, deciding it was time to face his grief and head back to London with his daughter.
Upon his departure, he reflected: "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."
The actor’s decision to leave was driven by a desire to return to stand-up and spend more family time, as he explained to OK!: "I suppose I didn't think I'd be doing anything for a fourth series. I really thought three series would be the max, you know.
"Because it's quite a demanding show... it's a tough old show in terms of being away from home for so long and in terms of the conditions that you film in the heat and the humidity.
"I think [Melanie - his wife] found it very tough because we've got three big grown-up kids living in the house and she's got a lot on her plate, so I think she was finding it tougher as the years went on.
"And I was missing them all hugely as well, so I think it made sense."
Many fans have taken to Reddit to declare him the best inspector of the series, with Ged_UK stating: "I always liked Jack. Down to earth, realistic and actually fitted in."
Plastic-Leek-3306 agreed: "I love Death in Paradise because it's a warm and feel good show, despite the murder. I think Jack adds to that the best so it's always him for me."
Steve3146 added: "Jack definitely, the fish out of water English detective was such a cliche after a while, Jack was a breath of fresh air. "I loved the way he was polite but very rude in his questioning. He'd clasp his hands together and say something like, 'I'm so sorry for your loss.... but how long have you known your wife was having an affair.'"
Carolinagirl9311 shared: "Definitely Jack for me. So personable which is a wonderful trait."
While Domak04 concluded: "Jack! He's a very warm, realistic, down to earth kinda character who brought such a dad vibe to the role!"
Death in Paradise airs on BBC One on Fridays at 9pm
