Ben Miller’s Emotional Reflection on Leaving His Baby for Death in Paradise

Ben Miller, the original detective from Death in Paradise, recently opened up about the heartbreaking reality of leaving his newborn son behind to film the hit BBC series in the Caribbean. As the show nears the conclusion of its 14th season, Miller looks back on the bittersweet memories tied to his departure and how it shaped his life both personally and professionally.

A Difficult Decision: Choosing Career Over Fatherhood

Back in 2011, Miller was at a pivotal point in his life. Just as he was settling into fatherhood with the birth of his son, Harrison, in December, he was also committed to filming the second season of Death in Paradise. The decision to leave his three-month-old baby behind for a six-month shoot was not an easy one.

In a heartfelt interview with Yahoo UK, Miller recalled, “I missed six months of his life when he was a baby. It was really quite difficult. [Having a baby] wasn’t what we planned at all.” The emotional weight of this separation ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the show after two seasons, marking a turning point in both his career and personal life.

The Iconic Exit: A Murdered Detective Who Solved His Own Case

Miller’s departure from Death in Paradise in 2014 was nothing short of legendary. His character, DI Richard Poole, met a shocking end when he was murdered—only to posthumously help solve his own case. The clever writing and unexpected twist solidified his exit as one of the most memorable moments in the show’s history.

Despite leaving, Miller remains a huge fan of the series and its ability to reinvent itself. “One of the reasons for the show’s success is it keeps moving forward,” he noted. Over the years, Death in Paradise has introduced new lead detectives, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging.

New Faces, Same Magic: The Evolution of Death in Paradise

Since Miller’s departure, the show has welcomed several lead detectives, each bringing a unique touch to the role. Following his exit, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Ralf Little stepped in before the latest arrival, Don Gilet, as DI Mervin Wilson.

Though fans were initially skeptical about constant lead changes, Miller believes this is part of the show’s enduring appeal. “People can feel that there’s something real about it, and I think it really, really works.” This evolution ensures that the heart of the show remains intact, no matter who leads the investigations.

A Special Cameo: Returning as a Ghost

While Miller bid farewell to his role in 2014, he made a brief yet unforgettable return in the series’ 100th episode in 2021. Appearing as a ghostly vision, DI Poole’s return was a treat for longtime fans who had missed the beloved detective’s presence on the show.

Life After Death in Paradise: A New Chapter as a Writer

Since leaving Death in Paradise, Miller has embraced new creative endeavors, particularly in writing. Inspired by his children, he transitioned into children’s literature, a passion that took root during bedtime storytelling sessions with his kids.

His latest book, Diary of a Puss in Boots, reflects his deep love for storytelling, a skill he credits to his journey as a father. “Having kids reminded me how much I loved reading when I was a kid. Then feeling like I’d like to try and write some stories for them... That got me off running, really,” he shared.

A Rewarding Life Beyond the Screen

Beyond his successful writing career, Miller has found fulfillment in fatherhood. He now shares a home filled with love and laughter with his children, Jackson, Harrison, and Lana. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges that while leaving Death in Paradise was difficult, it ultimately led him to a richer, more meaningful life.

“My life after Death in Paradise has been incredibly rewarding,” he admitted, embracing the joys of being a present father and storyteller.

Conclusion

Ben Miller’s legacy in Death in Paradise remains strong, even years after his departure. His emotional journey of balancing career and fatherhood, his iconic exit from the show, and his transition into a successful writing career all paint the picture of a man who continues to evolve. Fans may still miss DI Richard Poole, but Miller’s presence in the entertainment world is far from over.

FAQs

1. Why did Ben Miller leave Death in Paradise?
Ben Miller left the show to spend more time with his newborn son, as filming required him to be away in the Caribbean for months at a time.

2. Will Ben Miller return to Death in Paradise?
While he made a ghostly cameo in the 100th episode, there are no confirmed plans for his return as DI Richard Poole.

3. What has Ben Miller been doing since leaving Death in Paradise?
Miller has focused on his family and writing career, publishing children’s books such as Diary of a Puss in Boots.

4. Who replaced Ben Miller on Death in Paradise?
After Miller’s exit, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon, Ralf Little, and now Don Gilet have taken on the lead detective role.

5. Where can I watch Death in Paradise?
The show is available on BBC One, as well as streaming platforms like BritBox and Amazon Prime Video.