Kris Marshall has thought about quitting 'Death in Paradise' for "three or four years."
Kris Marshall
The 43-year-old actor has just bowed out of playing DI Humphrey Goodman in the crime comedy series but has admitted he toyed with the idea of walking away from the island of Guadeloupe - where the show is filmed - before his first series in 2014.
Speaking to the Radio Times magazine, he said: "It's something my wife and I discussed three or four years ago. When I was first offered the job, my son was six months old and my wife wasn't working, so it was a very easy decision. We decided I would do 'Death in Paradise' for a few years until it became impractical. It was always quite a finite thing. I certainly didn't hide it from anyone I work with."
The role became tough for Kris - who has starred in the movie 'Love Actually' - after he and his wife Hannah welcomed their second child - baby girl Elsie - last year.
He explained: "Every year, except last year, we took Thomas [their son] out with us [to Guadeloupe]. The only reason they didn't come out last year was become my daughter was born and three months old when filming started. Thomas has basically spent half his life in the Caribbean. Every year he went to the same nursery in Guadeloupe. But now it's time for him to put on scholastic shackles and toe the line."
However, some of his friends have told him he's "mad" for quitting a "hit" and their opinion has already started to play on his mind because he knows they're right.
He said: "Yes, some people think I'm mad, obviously. And there is an old adage, 'Don't quit a hit', which is very true. I'm going to miss it terribly. There have already been times when I've thought to myself, 'Have I made the right decision?' "
Although he's only just announced his departure, bosses have already found his replacement and have confirmed Ardal O'Hanlon will take on the lead role.
The 51-year-old star will join the rest of the cast as DI Jack Mooney in Saint Marie in the Caribbean following his debut on Thursday night's (02.02.17) episode.
Of his new role, Ardal 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."
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