UPDATE: |BBC Death in Paradise fans ‘confirm’ favourite detective’s ‘return’ after spin-off with female lead News

Death in Paradise fans have been calling for a new BBC spin-off featuring a beloved character of the hit series

Fans of the popular show Death in Paradise are eagerly awaiting news of a spin-off featuring one of their favourite characters.

Ardal O’Hanlon, known for his role as DI Jack Mooney in the show and its new spin-off Return to Paradise, could possibly lead his very own series if fan support has any sway.

Since Ardal’s appearance with the first-ever female lead in the recent spin-off, the audience has been vocal about seeing more of DI Jack Mooney in a solo show.

Although the BBC has not officially announced such a project, history suggests it is possible; Kris Marshall returned as DI Humphrey Goodman in the series Beyond Paradise.

Fans have taken to a Death in Paradise Facebook group to express their desires, with one passionate viewer stating: “I think they need to make a spin-off featuring DI Jack Mooney.”

READ MORE: Emmerdale star Beth Cordingly shares ‘lucky’ snap amid major career milestoneREAD MORE: BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay says ‘congratulations’ after exciting baby news announcement

Their call didn’t go unheard, with other fans joining in with comments like “I would love that, he is still my favourite DI,” and “I’d like to see that,” as reported by the Express.

The idea of a spin-off seems to be well-received, with remarks ranging from a simple “YES!” to another fan exclaiming, “I would love that; he is the best.”

Looking towards the potential for nostalgic appearances, one suggested: “Camille could make guest appearances along with Dwayne if he is helping his dad in London.”

The excitement for the character’s extended storyline was summed up by a fan who said: “I’d love to see Jack again.”

Jack’s exit from the island of Saint Marie took place in the ninth season, when he chose to return to London with his daughter.

He subsequently delighted followers when he came back on screens in the Australian derivative, Return to Paradise, last year, where he acted as detective McKenzie Clarke’s (played by Anna Samson) supervisor.

Discussing his departure from Death in Paradise, Ardal O’Hanlon told Radio Times in an earlier conversation: “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.”

He also touched on the impact his absence had on his family life, saying: “I think she [Melanie] 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,” before concluding with: “And I was missing them all hugely as well, so I think it made sense.”

Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.