ACTOR Ben Miller has quit BBC1’s hit drama Death In Paradise – because the Caribbean heat is too much to handle while filming, as Leigh Holmwood reports in this article for The Sun.

The Armstrong And Miller star will be replaced by My Family actor Kris Marshall for the third series, a move that will shock the show’s eight million viewers.

The series — which follows a grumpy British detective sent to the island of Guadeloupe — has become one of the BBC’s biggest drama successes.

In the new series Ben’s character, DI Richard Poole, departs while Kris — who also starred in television adverts for BT — arrives on the island as his bright but disorganised replacement.

DI Humphrey Goodman is stuck in a mid-life rut and is looking to find a new life and fresh start. An insider said: “It was Ben’s decision to leave.

“He had a good stint but found himself starting to take on the traits of his character and was beginning to tire of filming for six months of the year in the heat of Guadeloupe.”

Ben said: “I have absolutely loved my time on Death In Paradise and am sad to be leaving such a successful show.

“However, 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.”

Kris said: “I am thrilled to be joining Death In Paradise and also finding out a bit more about what makes Humphrey tick.”

He added: “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!”

Filming begins next month, with the new series due to air early next year

For the original report go to  http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/4880492/Ben-Miller-sizzles-out.html#ixzz2Q3pRTavZ