Telemystery: Cast Update for BBC Series Death in Paradise

BBC Drama announced today (at MIPTV) that Ben Miller will not return as Detective Inspector Richard Poole for a third season of Death in Paradise. He will be replaced by Kris Marshall, playing the role of DI Humphrey Gordon. The details of how and when Miller departs "remain tightly under wraps."

"I have absolutely loved my time on Death In Paradise and am sad to be leaving such a successful show," said Miller. "[H]owever 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."

"I am thrilled to be joining Death In Paradise and finding out a bit more about what makes Humphrey tick," added Marshall. "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!"

Death in Paradise premiered in late 2011 and recently concluded its second season. The premise is that a very City-oriented detective arrives on the (fictional) island of Saint-Marie to solve the murder of the local police captain, only to take his place when the case is closed.

We've seen the first season and are currently watching the second season (on our local PBS station) of this terrific series. It is not (yet) available on DVD in the US.