Miller, who plays DI Richard Poole in the BBC One crime drama, commented: “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!”

Details of how and when Miller will depart remain “tightly under wraps”.

DI Richard Poole will be replaced by a new lead detective, DI Humphrey Goodman, played by My Family star Kris Marshall. The character is described as “bright, but rather disorganised and gawky … [He is] stuck in a mid-life rut and is looking to find a new life and fresh start.”

Marshall teased: “I am thrilled to be joining Death in Paradise and finding out a bit more about what makes Humphrey tick. 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!”

Series 3 begins filming on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe next month and will air on BBC One in early 2014, with regulars Sara Martins, Danny John-Jules, Gary Carr and Don Warrington all returning.

The second series of Death in Paradise averaged almost 8 million consolidated viewers per episode.

Belinda Campbell, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures commented: “Ben Miller is an excellent actor and has played the part of DI Richard Poole magnificently for two series, and we’re very sad to be saying goodbye. However we’re thrilled to be welcoming Kris Marshall on board who we know will be brilliant in the role of Humphrey. He will bring with him dishevelled charm, sparkle, quick wit, and a razor-sharp intelligence in solving crimes.”

Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama said: “Thank you to Ben for leading two hugely successful series of Death in Paradise. He is leaving on a high and handing over to the very talented Kris Marshall. I am looking forward to seeing Kris in his new role and what he does with his character.”

> Buy Series 1 on DVD on Amazon.

> Buy Series 2 on DVD on Amazon.

Series 1 launched on BBC One in October 2011.

Are you looking forward to Series 3? Let us know below…