Death In Paradise

Return to Paradise star Anna Samson has spoken out about the future of the BBC series

Return To Paradise star Anna Samson has opened up about the triumph of the Death in Paradise spin-off series as it makes its comeback for a second series, confessing there was no certainty the storyline would continue.

The Home and Away actress broke new ground as the franchise’s inaugural female lead when she stepped into the shoes of DI Mackenzie Clarke.

The debut series, which broadcast last year, followed her character’s homecoming to Australia after establishing her reputation within London’s Met Police.

Whilst she briefly rejoined Dolphin Cove’s local constabulary to assist with a murder investigation, accusations of tampering with evidence prevented her planned return to London, compelling her to face her Australian past for an indefinite period.

Adding complexity to her position, her ex-fiancé Glenn (Tai Hara), whom she previously abandoned at the altar, ultimately confesses he still harbours romantic feelings towards her.

Return to Paradise has now progressed with a second series, placing Mack in charge of unravelling another collection of puzzling killings, reports the Express.

Speaking about how it felt to return to the world of Dolphin Cove, she shared: “We were so thrilled to get a second series, which is never a guarantee, even if your show’s a huge success.

“We adore each other: the cast, crew, everyone in the office, and the producers. It’s a workplace full of love, support, kindness, and fun. Getting the chance to go back and do it all again, there aren’t many better opportunities in the world than that.”

Teasing the new episodes, she added: “You can expect murders, and for Mackenzie and her team to solve them! We’re expanding the emotional world of all the characters in series two. Who they are and why they are the way they are.

“Colin and Mackenzie’s friendship becomes ridiculously joyful. They act like best friends while having no idea that they feel that way, which is really fun to play.

“That love triangle between Glenn, Mackenzie and Daisy also gets even more complicated, giving us a peek into her vulnerable side. We really challenge the emotional wall she puts up in this series.”

Admitting she was “overwhelmed with heartfelt positivity” from the response to the first series, Anna continued: “The show comes with an incredibly loyal and enthusiastic fanbase already, as it is part of a franchise.

“We felt a responsibility to do justice to the show and to honour the audience. The biggest surprise for me, and maybe it shouldn’t have even been that surprising, but how many of the fans are young women – I was so moved by that.

“Seeing the impact of a character like Mackenzie, who isn’t always smiling or worried about being liked, yet remains at the centre of the story, is what made putting on the waistcoat every day feel so valuable.”

The storyline for the second series of Return to Paradise hints: “Detective Sergeant Mackenzie Clarke finds herself trapped in her hometown of Dolphin Cove to solve more perplexing cases, while grappling with the end-of-series-one bombshell that her ex-fiance, Glenn, still has feelings for her.

“The team contends with even more perplexing cases in this series, including the chemical poisoning of a man alone at sea, alongside having to deal with larger-than-life characters like a troublesome rock band who fall under suspicion when one of their members turns up dead.

“Beyond her detective duties, Mackenzie is forced to face Glenn’s shocking confession that he still has feelings for her, despite his impending wedding to Daisy, complicating her own feelings toward him even further.

“Meanwhile, the unexpected arrival of Colin’s old friends from back home starts to crack the mystery behind his decision to leave everything behind and build a new life in the tight-knit community of Dolphin Cove.”

Return to Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The pretty UK seaside town will be familiar to many as the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbot in the BBC’s Death in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise

Second-home owners are said to be selling their properties in a stunning UK seaside town that draws crowds of tourists – and fans of the TV detective drama Beyond Paradise.

While the comeback of full-time residents to homes that were previously vacant for months on end is being celebrated, there’s still concern. A local property agent has warned that first-time purchasers continue to be priced out with some residents being compelled to live in tents and sofa-surf.

They claim that dwellings in the picturesque town have become unaffordable due to wealthy Londoners relocating from the capital for the peace the coastal location provides.

Looe, in Cornwall, will be recognisable to many as the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbot in the BBC’s Death in Paradise spin-off. Like numerous locations in this gorgeous corner of Britain, second homes and holiday rentals can be a contentious issue – with some residents being rather unwelcoming.

Most, nevertheless, acknowledge that tourism is essential, even if it does carry a price. Sara Barron, 54, helps operate The Haven, the base of the Boundless Trust, a community centre that runs holiday clubs for local youngsters and helps address local deprivation and homelessness in Looe and its neighbouring villages, reports the Express.

On a bright summer day, when Looe was crammed with visitors, Sara said: “Looe needs tourism and second homes are part of that. What doesn’t help is when people don’t let them out – then they sit empty for most of the year.”

Sara, who relocated to Looe from Portsmouth six years ago, explains that there “are also lots of restrictions” on residential lettings and that Airbnbs “have less restrictions”, making it simpler for landlords to rent them out as holiday accommodation.

“Landlords can get more renting them out for eight weeks in the summer than for renting them out all year [as a home],” she said. “And what homes there are, are unaffordable for many locals.”

The consequence of all this, according to Sara, is that so-called “hidden homelessness” – people sofa-surfing and living in tents and vans, rather than sleeping rough on the streets – is a genuine issue in Looe.

Sara said: “We don’t get many street sleepers, but there are lots of people sofa-surfing, sleeping in tents on campsites or in campervans. There’s a lot of hidden homelessness.

“We gave out a few tents to people last summer who were working here and living on campsites.”

Nevertheless, local businessman Sam Chapman holds a somewhat different perspective. The 30 year old, who has resided in the Looe area his entire life, runs Pengelly’s fishmonger shop and lives on his family’s farm on the town’s outskirts.

He said the surge in second homes and holiday lets has “driven prices up” and he can “understand why other people get angry about” the issue. Nevertheless, Sam said he hasn’t been personally impacted – and that all his employees have secured accommodation.

“All my friends have found houses – there’s the new estates and stuff,” he adds. Yet, Sam confesses that he doesn’t reside in Looe itself, so he doesn’t feel the impact as much as others might.

Clive Gardner, who lives in the heart of Looe’s old town above his business, Clive’s Cat’s Cartoons, a gallery and framers, with a waffle hut, shares his perspective. The 71 year old, who spends the winter months in Thailand, said: “Quite a few of the houses in the back street are second homes.

“There is nowhere to rent, so lots of businesses struggle to get staff, because they have nowhere to live.

“But it is still a really good community, it’s still a really good place to live. People know you – you walk down the street and people say hello.”

His partner, Mandy Rose said: “If people are coming down and using them [second homes], then great – but it’s not good if they’re left empty. The problem is, there’s no control over it – and there’s no going back.

“But there is still a really good sense of community here. And we do live in a really lovely part of the UK.”

Clive and Mandy reside in the maze of alleyways that makeup Looe’s old town – an area that frequently floods. Many of the residents who once lived here have long since moved away.

The Boundless Trust provides meals to several elderly individuals who once resided here but have since relocated to the outskirts. Sara Barron, a representative of the trust, shared: “The fishermen’s cottages all used to be lived in. They [elderly Looe residents] talk about how they grew up playing in the streets, getting fish from the local boats.

“That’s changed – but that was 50 or 60 years ago. I don’t think many of those houses have people living in them now.”

This part of town, which boasts buildings dating back to the 15th century, is adjacent to the quayside. Among the cafes and restaurants in this vibrant riverside location is the Uncharted gift shop.

Kelly Jones, co-owner of Uncharted, has been a Looe resident her entire life. The 41 year old said: “Personally, I wish there weren’t so many of them [second homes]. There just seems be more and more of them.

“Local people need to rent and there’s just nothing available. I rent privately, but I’ve been very lucky. I’ve always rented from someone I known. “I’ve lived in two or three different properties over the years, and have great references, so it hasn’t been a problem for me.

“But for the children growing up here, the 18 and 19 year olds they can’t afford or can’t find anything – which is really hard if they don’t want to leave Looe.”

Across the river from Uncharted, in West Looe, Kelly’s sister, Carla Jones, runs an estate agent business. She returned to her hometown eight years ago, after spending a decade in London.

She noted that the landscape is shifting, with many second homes and holiday lets being converted back into full-time residences. However, she also highlighted that local first-time buyers are still being priced out of the market, describing the rental situation as “impossible”.

Carla said: “During Covid, there was a huge number of people who had second homes who sold up because they knew they were never going to get those prices again. People were looking to relocate during Covid and were buying them to live in”.

“It’s nice – there are lights on now. People are living in these homes now. It’s building the community back up. There needs to be a balance if Looe is to survive.

“And people who didn’t jump on the bandwagon during Covid, who took their time, are now looking at relocating. They’ve seen that Cornwall could work for them – even though it is a huge lifestyle change.

“These can be people with high-paid corporate jobs. They’re bringing their careers down with them on their laptops and working from home in Cornwall – that’s bringing more money to the area.

“But it’s still very difficult for locals – getting on the property ladder can be very tricky. First-time buyers face so many restrictions, from lenders. There’s nothing in my window they could afford.

“People earning £20,000 a year [An average wage in Cornwall] have got no hope. Local people can’t afford to get on the ladder – but it’s not just [mortgage] affordability.

“People can’t afford 10 per cent deposits – people haven’t got £30,000 or £40,000 sitting in their back pockets. It’s only really people whose family can help and get gifted deposits.

“People relocating are buying the homes that would have been taken by first-time buyers. When first-time buyers can’t buy, you haven’t really got a sustainable market.”

Houses in Looe carried an overall average price tag of £304,342 over the past year, dropping from the 2021 peak of £379k.

Terraced homes can be snapped up for around £80,000 less at an average of £222,399, whilst detached houses went for an average of £422,143.

Carla added that locals priced out of purchasing can find letting equally challenging. “The rental market is impossible,” she said.

“I have 22 residential rentals on my books – but none of them are vacant. And I’ve got 30 clients looking for homes to rent – but I’ve got nothing I can offer them.

“Landlords are not being supported by the government. A lot of landlords jumped on the covid bandwagon and sold up. A very big percentage of rental properties got taken out from under people, who had section 21 notices served on them.

“The new Labour Government are saying they’re going to build more houses, but where? There’s nowhere in Looe to build. And Cornwall County council don’t help – they’re difficult they’re very tight on planning.”

Carla reckons that even if fresh properties were constructed, this would simply create a different set of issues. “Looe just hasn’t got the infrastructure,” she explained.

“The doctor and dentist surgeries are already over-run.

“It sounds so bleak when you talk about it, but it’s the reality for so many people.”

Death in Paradise actor Kris Marshall has been spotted on the set of BBC drama Beyond Paradise with a familiar face, who starred in the crime series with him

Outlander star Colin McFarlane has been spotted on the Beyond Paradise set, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement.

A photograph was enthusiastically posted on a Facebook fan group devoted to the programme.

Beaming widely, the actor was photographed alongside a devoted fan, dressed in dark brown trousers and a white vest, topped with a checked shirt.

A microphone could be seen clipped to Colin’s vest, suggesting filming was underway.

In a second picture, Colin appears with Kris Marshall, who plays lead detective Humphrey Goodman. This time, he appears seemingly in full costume, wearing a green gilet over his checked shirt while clutching what appears to be gardening gloves.

Meanwhile, Kris was casually attired in a white vest, navy trousers, and brown shoes as they wandered about the filming location.

The fan who shared the snap cheekily observed: “Kris in his best togs,” according to the Express.

While the behind-the-scenes shots thrilled viewers, some eagle-eyed supporters quickly noticed a fascinating connection—Colin had previously appeared in Death in Paradise.

Colin starred in the sixth episode of Death in Paradise’s fourth series, playing the character Anton Burrage, where Kris’s DI Goodman and his colleagues were tasked with investigating a volleyball player’s murder.

Supporters on the page were quick to acknowledge the reunion, with one noting: “Looks like Selwyn’s volleyball friend from Death in Paradise with him.

“Mr Barrage,” another chimed in.

A different fan expressed their fondness for the actor accompanying Kris, saying, “Oh, I like the actor with him. He’s usually really posh or very bad.

“The guy with Kris was with him in DIP, too. In the volleyball episode,” pointed out another.

In other news, Colin has been bestowed with an honorary degree from Loughborough University.

The 63-year-old British thespian, scribe, and producer, famed for his portrayal of Gillian B. Loeb in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, was honoured by his alma mater for his “outstanding contributions to the arts and his role in championing men’s health issues.”

Fans can catch episodes of Death in Paradise on BBC iPlayer.

Death in Paradise will return tonight with a repeat episode of the BBC drama

Death in Paradise favourite Josephine Jobert will grace television screens once more this evening in a repeat broadcast of the beloved BBC series.

Josephine portrayed Detective Florence Cassell in the Caribbean-set police drama.

Lucky in Love, the third episode of series 10, initially transmitted in 2021, will be screened at 9pm tonight on BBC One.

The episode summary states: “It seems money doesn’t buy happiness when lottery winner Cherry is found dead at her luxurious villa, much to the horror of her husband and their visiting friends,” reports the Express.

“As usual, Neville and the team are presented with a real head-scratcher when it turns out no one was in the house at the time – and the mystery deepens when the victim’s body apparently vanishes into thin air.”

It concludes: “Meanwhile, JP is training unruly new officer Marlon, aware that his wife Rosey is due to give birth at any time.”

This marks another recent repeat showing, following last week’s broadcast of episode two from series 10 on BBC One.

Florence Cassell won’t be the only familiar face returning to screens, as the programme’s longest-serving detective, Neville Parker (Ralf Little), also features in the episode.

Tobi Bakari returns as police officer JP Hooper, whilst Tahj Miles reprises trainee police officer Marlon Pryce.

Following the episode’s original transmission, Tobi, Tahj, Ralf, and Josephine have all departed the programme to pursue different ventures.

Tobi became the first to exit in 2021 following the conclusion of series 10. Ralf and Josephine’s departures came in series 13 after their characters sailed off into the sunset together following Neville’s declaration of love to Florence.

Tahj Miles also departed the programme at the conclusion of series 13.

Ralf’s role was swiftly filled by the island’s fresh lead detective, Mervin Wilson, portrayed by Don Gilet.

In an earlier chat with Hello! Josephine discussed her comeback to the programme in series 10 and confessed she was aware it wouldn’t be permanent.

“I already left in series eight, I thought it would be for good, honestly, I thought, ‘I’m done,'” she revealed. “Then they asked me back for series ten as I was like, ‘Hmmm, I don’t know, okay, I’m going to do it.'”.

“But I knew it wouldn’t be forever, I knew it. How long, I didn’t know. I had an idea, but I wasn’t sure.”

Death in Paradise airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One.

Death in Paradise’ JP Hooper, played by Tobi Bakare, is making a comeback to the show after departing the BBC programme in 2021 after seven years on the island of Saint Marie

Death in Paradise fnas were thrilled when the programme returned to BBC for a fresh series, showcasing familiar faces alongside newcomer DI Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet).

Nevertheless, there’s a recognisable character making their way back to Saint Marie after leaving in 2021. Performer Tobi Bakare, who played JP Hooper on the enduring BBC drama for seven years, chose to step away from the role.

Viewers of the BBC favourite watched the beloved character’s departure after Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) presented him with an opportunity elsewhere.

Taking up the fresh role, JP moved his family and departed at the end of series 10. The performer revealed that he sensed his stint on the programme was coming to an end three years before his character bid farewell to Saint Marie.

He told RadioTimes that the realisation struck him during filming for series seven whilst in a church.

He explained: “The preacher mentioned seven years in a message. As soon as he mentioned seven years, I don’t know what happened. It just clicked.

“It was like a moment of realisation. I had three more years left. It was three more years until it would be seven years, but it just hit me so hard. At this time, my wife was in the UK, and I told her that I know when it’s going to be time for me to leave the show.

“But I wanted her to go away, pray about it, and think about it. She’d done so, and called me up the next day, and said, ‘2020’. So the exact time of the seven years. So we were like, ‘Yeah, that’s the time.’ That’s the actual reason.”

Although Tobi revealed this to co-star Tahj Miles, who portrays Officer Marlon Pryce, their on-screen partnership almost made him reconsider his decision to leave.

He admitted: “You were the one that created the conflict in between me leaving because we found the flow.”

Tahj’s character was introduced in season 10, and despite some initial friction with JP, they eventually formed a strong bond.

However, it remains uncertain how their relationship will evolve upon JP’s return. Fans were overjoyed by the news, as revealed on Death in Paradise’s official Instagram, with comments flooding in.

One thrilled viewer exclaimed: “So nice to see Tobi back, loved his character,” while another expressed: “I miss you JP!” A fan posted: “OMG I hope we get JP for more than one episode!” With another remarking: “Hope JP is back to stay!”

Another wrote: “Yayyy! Would LOVE to have JP back for several episodes,” and another simply enthused: “Ahhhh JP is back!”

Seasons one to 14 of Death in Paradise are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Death in Paradise fans have been given exciting news about the hit BBC show as bosses have announced a special book for a limited time only.

Death in Paradise fans might have to wait a bit before jetting off again to the make-believe island of Saint Marie with DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilbert) at the helm.

While new episodes are on the horizon, fans of the BBC series can now play sleuth themselves thanks to an exhilarating book from the bosses.

For those eager to test their investigative skills, the Death in Paradise Puzzle Book is available for a limited-time, allowing people to see if they have what it takes to join the police team.

Flaunting the news on Instagram, the show’s official page revealed: “Big News! For a limited time only, you can get a copy of The Death in Paradise Puzzle Book for just £9.19 on Amazon!

Casting you among your favourite characters on the island of Saint Marie, the puzzle book features 150 murderously challenging brain-teasers to test your wits! Get your copy now!”

The announcement swiftly sparked excitement in the comments section, with one user exclaiming: “I have mine and I absolutely love it”

Another chimed in with their own joy: “I got mine [sic]” Overcome with enthusiasm, another tagged a pal, posting: “No way!”

Taking to the online review space, a satisfied customer shared: “Great for fans of the show. I bought it for a long journey and it helped pass time so quickly. Variety of different types of puzzles link into the overarching story, presenting a decent mix in terms of ease and challenge. It gets my wholehearted endorsement.”

Another fan gushed: “Great present for a Death in Paradise fan.”

On Amazon, the book has earned a 4.5-star rating and currently sits at the top spot as the number one best seller in the TV Tie-in Humour category, reports the Express.

The excitement continues to mount as filming for the new series of Death in Paradise is well underway, confirmed by the show’s Instagram a few weeks ago.

Season 14 concluded on a poignant note as audiences saw Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (played by Don Warrington) make the bittersweet decision to depart the island.

In an emotional scene with Catherine Bordey (portrayed by Elizabeth Bourgine), he disclosed his plans to visit his daughter, casting uncertainty on his return date.

The future remains unclear for the beloved character in the upcoming series 15.

Catch up with all the episodes of Death in Paradise on BBC iPlayer.

Death in Paradise star Élizabeth Bourgine has shared a glimpse of the season 15 filming as the cast and crew are currently in Guadeloupe working on the next instalment

Death in Paradise star Élizabeth Bourgine has treated her followers to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the upcoming 15th series, currently being filmed in the sun-drenched climes of Guadeloupe.

The seasoned French actress shared a series of snaps on Instagram, including one with the caption: “Shooting series 15 of Death in Paradise.”

At 68, Élizabeth posted an image from the production monitor that showcased her as Catherine Bordey, looking intently into the lens.

Another photo showed Élizabeth beaming while keeping herself cool with a handheld fan during a filming break. Her post was met with enthusiasm from fans, with comments such as: “Can’t wait to watch, looking beautiful as always.”

One fan remarked: “With each season it just gets better and better! Looking forward to 15.”

This sneak peek arrives amidst viewers’ worries for Don Warrington’s character, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, particularly after his shocking decision to resign from the force in the finale of series 14, reports Wales Online.

Concerned fans have voiced their hopes on social media for Selwyn’s return, with remarks like: “With Selwyn back, please.”

Another fan said: “Love the new inspector! His storyline is so interesting. I hope it isn’t the end of Selywyn. I always look forward to his scenes.”

As the show progresses, the future of Selwyn in Saint Marie remains uncertain, especially after he was temporarily replaced by Sterling Fox (Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge), only to reclaim his position following Fox’s brief tenure.

The series ended on a surprising note when Selwyn announced he was leaving the police force to visit his daughter Andrina (Genesis Lynea), declaring: “I won’t be staying. It felt wrong to say yes. Too much has happened and right now I can’t see a way to get back to how things were.”

Fans are also excited for the return of Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, who decided to stay in Saint Marie after discovering he has a brother. Élizabeth Bourgine is expected to reprise her role as Catherine, teasing a potential new love interest.

Other actors likely to come back include Shantol Jackson as Naomi Thomas, Ginny Holder as Darlene Curtis, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Sebastian Rose.

The show left its audience on tenterhooks with a Christmas cliffhanger, and following the festive special in December, viewers are looking forward to series 15, which is slated to air in early 2026.

Seasons one to 14 of Death in Paradise are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

A Channel 4 sitcom, starring a Death in Paradise favourite, is now trending on Prime Video despite having been released over a decade ago

A sitcom featuring Ardal O’Hanlon that originally aired over a decade ago has found new popularity on Prime Video.

London Irish, which first graced Channel 4 in 2013, boasts a star-studded cast including Death in Paradise’s Ardal O’Hanlon and Derry Girls’ Peter Campion. The show centres around a group of Belfast expats navigating life in London.

The series was the brainchild of Lisa McGee, the creative force behind Derry Girls. Despite only running for six episodes and Channel 4 deciding against a second season, London Irish has found renewed interest.

Now available on Prime Video, the show has been given the ‘trending now’ label, demonstrating its enduring appeal 12 years after its initial release.

The cast also features Sinéad Keenan, known for her role in Unforgotten, Game of Thrones actor Ker Logan, No Offence’s Tracey Lynch, and Kat Reagan, reports Wales Online.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creator and star of BBC’s Fleabag, also makes a guest appearance in London Irish, portraying a character named Steph in one episode.

The synopsis for London Irish reads: “Conor and Bronagh are twenty-something siblings from Northern Ireland who, along with friends Packy and Niamh, are trying to make their way through London life.

“The foursome find navigating the big city challenging, particularly as they’re playing by their own unique set of rules, leading to all sorts of mischief.

“Conor is highly unpredictable and tends to just go with unbelievable things that tend to happen to him while his older sister, Bronagh, is the opposite of him – cynical, dark and fierce. Self-confident Niamh is ambitious and can be ruthless when she doesn’t get what she wants.

“Packy is the closest thing the group has to a parental figure and tries to keep the others in line but often gets dragged into their madness.”

Ardal, who portrays Chris in the sitcom, first gained recognition in Father Ted before joining BBC One’s Death in Paradise as DI Jack Mooney.

He left the popular drama series in 2020, but recently appeared in spin-off series Return to Paradise. His character featured remotely as part of a storyline with DI Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson).

London Irish is available to stream now on Prime Video.