A FORMER President of the Cambridge Footlights, Robert acted alongside Olivia Colman and David Mitchell in his own theatre company before becoming a writer.
His idea for a British detective working abroad led to Death In Paradise, a BBC1 TV series that returned to our screens on Thursday.
His new book, Death Knocks Twice, is out now.
How did you get into TV?
I tried to get on to Midsomer Murders as a script writer but they wouldn’t have me. Then, eventually, I had my own idea for Death In Paradise.
Do you get help writing the show now?
On the TV series, yes. We have a whole gang working out clever ways of killing people. But I write the books myself.
Why are your books way behind the TV series?
As soon as I got the go-ahead for the books our first detective, Ben Miller, resigned. I’ve had to stick with his character as I can’t just change every time we have a new TV detective.
Which murder ideas give you most pleasure?
Trying to think up locked room mysteries. How could someone be killed when the room’s locked from the inside? I’m working on a beach murder where there’s only the victim’s footprints in the sand.
Do you get to go to the Caribbean on location?
No. Our budget’s in pounds but Guadeloupe, where we film, uses euros. The exchange rate now means our money doesn’t go far, so there’s little left to fly me out all the time.
For the main actors is it a dream job?
Nine months in heat and humidity is a long time to be away from home. But for guest actors it’s the best gig in telly. Two weeks in the sun, and you might just be playing a dead body.
As an actor are you tempted to star in the show?
No. But I once wrote a scene with radio’s Test Match Special playing in the background. The BBC stupidly wanted £500 for the clip – to advertise their own cricket coverage! I did the voice myself and saved us the money.
How does work affect your personal life?
I remember years ago at the dinner table noticing my son’s carotid artery pulsing, and I found myself playing with my knife thinking….. well I’m sure I don’t have to finish the story (laughs). I’m terrible, always working on ideas.
That can’t be healthy?
No, it’s not. When we finish a series at the end of summer it’s a chance to re programme my mind and become a normal human being again.
You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend it?
I’d buy a 24 hour family pass to Alton Towers and spend the day with the family on all the terrifying rides, and eating rubbish.
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