Late in 2007, he took a hiatus from the role to star in a play; he returned as Derek during the end of the Zach and Greenlee bomb-shelter storyline.
While the role of Derek has never been front-burner, he has always been well-liked by fans.
The Pine Valley detective turned Chief of Police is a smart, if bumbling, cop. He's usually hot on the trail of the bad guys - whoever they may be - but he rarely gets the credit for arresting them. Those kudos usually go to main characters.
Soon after Charles Parnell returned at Pine Valley's favorite cop, Derek became the acting Chief of Police; that was made permanent some months later. Throughout the Satin Slayer storyline in 2007, Derek was on screen very often. Once daughter Danielle was sent to Hawaii to recuperate from the Satin Slayer's attack, Derek's on-screen time began dwindling.
**Spoiler Alert**
Next week, it will be announced that Pine Valley is in search of a new Chief of Police and Jesse will be first in line! Angie isn't going to be thrilled with this news, but really, should she worry?
Jesse practically single-handedly brought down Rob and the helicopter and saved her life. And, let's face it, would anyone else have survived as well as he did from a 20-year life on the run?
Whatever happens it certainly will be fun television!
Soaps.com wishes Charles Parnell the best of luck. We look forward to seeing on another series soon!
