'Fr Ted' actor Ardal O'Hanlon has taken the lead in a new series of the BBC drama 'Death in Paradise'.

O'Hanlon has joined the cast as the latest lead detective in the show.

His character, DI Jack Mooney, debuted on Thursday night's episode as the team visited London for the first time.

He joins series regulars Josephine Jobert, Danny John-Jules, Tobi Bakare and Don Warrington for the remaining episodes of series six.

While the broadcaster has also revealed he will remain the resident Caribbean cop when the show returns for a seventh series in 2018.

O'Hanlon says: "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."

Following four years, Kris Marshall’s character of DI Humphrey Goodman leaves the show.

The nature of his departure is still being kept under wraps, until his final episode airs February 9th.

Marshall says: "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.

"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".