"Return to Paradise"
The ABC started filming "Return to Paradise", Australia’s original spin-off series of the global smash-hit murder mystery franchise "Death in Paradise" in various locations across Sydney and Illawarra coastal region.
The intriguing and entertaining whodunit 6-part series will have a distinctively Australian flare, while playing homage to the "Paraverse". The series is produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia with Red Planet Pictures for the ABC in association with the BBC.
Taking charge as the franchise’s first lead female detective is Anna Samson ("Dead Lucky") as Mackenzie Clarke. Unravelling the murder mysteries alongside Anna is Lloyd Griffith ("Ted Lasso"), Tai Hara ("Home & Away"), Catherine McClements ("Total Control"), Celia Ireland ("Wentworth"), Andrea Demetriades ("Mother and Son") and Aaron McGrath ("Gold Diggers").
"Return to Paradise" follows DI Mackenzie Clarke, an Australian ex-pat who’s made a name for herself in London’s Metropolitan Police for cracking uncrackable murder cases. When she is accused of tampering with evidence, Mackenzie returns to Australia, back to the last place she ever wanted to be – her hometown of Dolphin Cove. Having fled the town six years ago, infamously leaving her ex- fiancée Glenn (Tai Hara) at the altar, Mackenzie is not welcome here. The series will air on ABC and ABC iview later this year, and will be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. It will be distributed globally by BBC Studios.
Co-Creator and Executive Producer Peter Mattessi says: “I’m beyond excited to welcome Producer Di Haddon and our two fabulous directors Mat King and Tenika Smith who are coming together with our amazing cast to bring the world of 'Return to Paradise' to life. We are having so much fun creating this brand-new mystery series that brings an Australian twist to one of the globe’s most successful television franchises. We think audiences in Australia, UK and around the world are going to fall in love with our wonderful characters, our delicious whodunits, and our gorgeous coastal Australian locations.”