First look at new Death in Paradise spin-off set in Australia – and a famous show star will be joining cast
DEATH in Paradise fans have their first look at the brand new Australian spin-off Return to Paradise.
The premise sees DI Mackenzie Clark (Anna Samson) return to her hometown of Dolphin Cove after leaving London in mysterious circumstances.
Now back for the first time since fleeing six years earlier, Mackenzie reunites with ex-fiancé Glen (Tai Hara), whom she left at the altar.
A lack of job prospects also means she reluctantly rejoins the team at Dolphin Cove Police Station.
According to TV Tonight, former Death in Paradise star Ardal O'Hanlon will make a guest appearance in Return to Paradise.
The show will begin airing in Australia from September 8, with other cast members including Lloyd Griffith and Celia Ireland.
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Anna is not the only new face in the 'Paraverse' - as there'll also be a new lead detective in Saint Marie.
Former EastEnders actor Don Gilet has been cast as DI Melvin Wilson, the latest UK policeman to relocate to the island.
Don, 57, played killer Lucas Johnson in the BBC soap and likewise played a murderer in an earlier Death in Paradise episode.
Speaking at the time of the announcement, Don said: "Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands.
"This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it.
"It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.
"Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!”
He took over from Ralf Little, who stepped down from his role as DI Neville Parker after joining the hit show in 2020.
In his final storyline, Neville left Saint Marie with former colleague and potential love interest, DS Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert).
After the episode aired, Ralf took to Instagram to confirm he had indeed left the show.
Timeline of Death In Paradise Detectives
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole - Actor Ben played the first ever detective from seasons 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three seasons from series 6 to 9.
Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest-running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four seasons from 9 to 13.
The actor told his followers: "My time on Saint Marie has come to an end – what an end!
“New adventures await Neville, and he got to sail away into the sunset with his best friend. Who knows what happens for them next!
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“I want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who watched and supported the show when I arrived four and a half years ago.”
Death in Paradise airs on BBC One.
