Return to Paradise series 3 first look as Mackenzie Clarke faces new murders and romantic complications

Return to Paradise returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday, November 6, with Detective Sergeant Mackenzie Clarke tackling a fresh batch of baffling murders alongside new faces, family tensions and an unexpected romantic complication.

The BBC has released first-look images and artwork for the third series of Return to Paradise, the Australian crime drama spun off from international hit Death in Paradise.

Anna Samson is back as Mackenzie Clarke, the sharp-witted detective whose reputation as Dolphin Cove’s favourite outcast and wedding wrecker continues to follow her. The new six-part series will see Mack throw herself into her work following the shocking departure of local pathologist Glenn Strong, played by Tai Hara.

Working alongside her loyal colleague, Senior Constable Colin Cartwright (Lloyd Griffith), Mack will face some of the coastal town’s most perplexing cases yet. Among the murders on their list are an artist stabbed in front of a live audience, a wildlife worker killed inside a locked cage and a celebrated film director shot dead at her own screening.

But while Mack and Colin investigate crimes that seem impossible to solve, Mack’s personal life could prove just as difficult to navigate. With a new pathologist arriving in town and an unwelcome family reunion on the cards, the detective may find that the biggest mystery is what she really wants from her own heart.

New faces bring fresh complications to Dolphin Cove

Joining the cast for series three is Kerry Armstrong as Jillian, Mack’s forceful mother, whose arrival in Dolphin Cove is far from welcome news for her daughter.

Jacob Collins also joins as Leo, the new pathologist whose charismatic personality and raffish charm appear to make an impression on Mack. His arrival follows Glenn’s departure, leaving questions about the former pathologist’s next steps.

The returning cast includes Catherine McClements as Senior Sergeant Philomena Strong, Celia Ireland as Reggie Rocco and Aaron L. McGrath as Constable Felix Wilkinson.

The newly released pictures offer a glimpse of the drama to come. Mack is seen temporarily swapping her familiar waistcoat for the Dolphin Cove police uniform alongside Philomena, while she and Colin prepare to examine another crime scene.

Elsewhere, Jillian’s arrival threatens to unsettle Mack, and Leo is pictured bagging up what could prove to be an important piece of evidence. Glenn also appears to have encountered difficulties as he pursues a change in career, while Reggie and Felix take to the streets in search of a crucial clue in another intricate investigation.

The images suggest that the series will continue to balance its murder mysteries with the relationships, rivalries and personal dilemmas that make life in Dolphin Cove anything but straightforward.

Guest stars join the new series

As in previous instalments, each episode will feature guest appearances from familiar Australian screen talent.

The guest cast includes Mark Lee, known for A Place to Call Home and La Brea; Ngali Shaw, whose credits include Ladies in Black and The Twelve; and Anthony Hayes, who has appeared in The Slap and Total Control.

Also appearing are Zöe Ventura (Packed to the Rafters, Time Bandits), Matt Day (Rake, The Unusual Suspects), Robert Mammone (The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions) and Bruce Spence, known for Mad Max 2 and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Their appearances promise a fresh collection of suspects and supporting characters as Mack and Colin work to uncover the truth behind each case.

Return to Paradise expands its international reach

Return to Paradise is produced by BBC Studios Australia Productions in close partnership with Red Planet Pictures, a Fremantle company, for the ABC, in association with the BBC.

BBC Studios handles the drama’s international sales and has licensed the series to more than 93 territories worldwide, underlining its growing global reach.

The series brings the distinctive murder-mystery format of Death in Paradise to the Australian coast, combining puzzling crimes with a close-knit community and a central detective whose personal life is rarely straightforward.

The third series of Return to Paradise premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday, November 6. Both previous series are also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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