The BBC has confirmed production is currently in progress in Australia for series three of a hugely popular detective drama.
Return to Paradise, the remarkably successful spin-off of the worldwide phenomenon Death in Paradise, will return to BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year for season three.
The gripping and engaging six-part whodunnit series is produced by BBC Studios Australia Productions, in partnership with Red Planet Pictures, a Fremantle company, for the ABC, and in association with the BBC.
A synopsis reveals: "DS Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson) is back, fresh from having wrecked another of Glenn's (Tai Hara) weddings and determined never to follow her heart again.
"But ignoring her heart won't be easy. The arrival of her force-of-nature mother Jillian (Kerry Armstrong) puts Mack's mettle to the ultimate test and there's something undeniable about the raffish charm of the new pathologist Leo (Jacob Collins). And as for Glenn, who has gone away to 'find himself', well that's a whole other puzzle for Mack to try and solve...
"And, while Dolphin Cove may still look like paradise, it continues to serve up a steady stream of baffling murder mysteries - from the artist stabbed in full view of the public, to the wildlife worker dead in a locked cassowary cage. Mack will solve it all with her usual brilliance, and the off-beat help of her loyal team."
Fans can expect to see beloved characters such as Lloyd Griffith as Colin Cartwright, Tai Hara as Glenn Strong, Catherine McClements as Philomena Strong, Celia Ireland as Reggie Rocco and Aaron McGrath as Felix Wilkinson all return to their roles.
Additionally, the third series boasts an impressive guest cast line up including Mark Lee (A Place to Call Home, La Brea), Tina Bursill (Strife, Doctor, Doctor), Ngali Shaw (Ladies in Black, The Twelve), Anthony Hayes (The Slap, Total Control), Zöe Ventura (Packed to the Rafters, Time Bandits), Zindzi Okenyo (Troppo, Critical Incident) and Matt Day (Rake, The Unusual Suspects).
The initial two series have been a hit with Death in Paradise enthusiasts. One individual remarked: "Excellent show. Cast are all amazing and spark off each other well. I'm actually preferring this to Death in Paradise."
Another user commented: "These series are pure entertainment. Nothing heavy, but great characters, intriguing plots and a rich vein of humour, all set in a little town close to paradise. What's not to love? Especially if you're a slightly homesick Aussie exiled in the UK! There may be some who don't enjoy it, but I honestly can't imagine why."
Another viewer penned: "What a lovely and heartwarming show! "Return to Paradise" is full of charm, beautiful scenery, and engaging mystery plots that keep you hooked. The atmosphere feels cozy yet full of life, and the characters are so likable-especially Mackenzie Clarke, who brings both strength and vulnerability to the screen. It's a joy to watch every episode. I'm absolutely delighted with this series!"
While a different programme watcher contributed: "I discovered the series by accident when 10 minutes in to episode 1, and was hooked within seconds", adding at the time: "I'm looking forward avidly to a second series. Well done, everyone."
The third series of Return to Paradise will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK later this year. The first and second series are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
