Death in Paradise return date set for series 9

\'Death in Paradise\' is returning next month.

The hugely popular crime drama will be back for its ninth series - the last one to star Ardal O\'Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney after quit last year - and the BBC has confirmed the programme will be back on the air on January 9 at 9pm.

The synopsis for the first episode reads: "New Year\'s Eve celebrations are cut short when a masked man stabs a woman in her own home.

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"Jack and the team must uncover the identity of the mystery murderer before they strike again."

The new eight part season will boast an impressive cast of guest stars, with the likes of Steve Pemberton, Nina Wadia, Samantha Bond and Javone Prince all confirmed for the upcoming run.

Tim Key, executive producer of \'Death in Paradise\', which is shot in the French-Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, has said: "Our casting director, Sacha Green, has really excelled this year, delivering one of the strongest guest casts we\'ve ever had.

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"It\'s wonderful to see how enthusiastic everyone is when they join the \'Death in Paradise\' family - it feels like a real badge of honour.

"I can\'t wait to share the results of everyone\'s hard work with our audience next year."

Meanwhile, former \'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps\' star Ralf Little will be taking on the lead detective role when the murder mystery show returns.

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He\'s joining the show as current lead Ardal decided to step down to focus on "other opportunities".

He previously explained: "I\'ve spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing DI Jack Mooney, solving over 20 murder cases in my time there.

"It\'s been a hugely rewarding and unforgettable experience, working with incredibly talented actors, directors and crew while discovering a magical part of the world.

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"However, it\'s time to move on and explore other opportunities - preferably nearer the Arctic Circle.

"I\'m confident that \'Death in Paradise\' will go from strength to strength and viewers will share my enthusiasm for Jack\'s successor."

\'Death in Paradise\' returns to BBC One at 9pm on January 9.