‘Return to Paradise‘ is heading back to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this November, and the BBC has released a new batch of first-look photos teasing more baffling murders, familiar faces and romantic complications in Dolphin Cove. The scenery is still gorgeous. The local murder rate, however, remains a fairly compelling reason not to book a holiday there.
The Australian spin-off of ‘Death in Paradise’ returns for six new hour-long episodes, with Anna Samson (Dead Lucky) reprising her role as Detective Sergeant Mackenzie Clarke. Mack might be brilliant at solving crimes, but her track record when it comes to sorting out her own love life is rather less impressive.
After the spectacular collapse of another wedding involving her former fiancé Glenn Strong, played by Tai Hara (Home and Away), Mack has decided that ignoring her feelings and concentrating on work is the sensible option. Given the events of the previous two series, that seems optimistic at best.
Murder, mystery and a new face in the morgue
Fortunately for Mack, Dolphin Cove has plenty of work to keep her occupied. Alongside her loyal colleague Senior Constable Colin Cartwright, played by Lloyd Griffith (Ted Lasso), she’ll investigate an artist stabbed in front of an audience, a wildlife worker found dead inside a locked cage, and a famous film director shot at her own screening.
They’re precisely the sort of seemingly impossible crimes that have become the franchise’s speciality. Somewhere between the beautiful beaches and the suspiciously elaborate murder methods, Mack and Colin will have their work cut out for them.
Things aren’t much quieter away from the crime scenes. Mack’s formidable mother Jillian, played by newcomer Kerry Armstrong (Lantana), arrives in Dolphin Cove, and the first-look pictures suggest her daughter isn’t exactly thrilled by the reunion.
There’s also a new pathologist in town. Jacob Collins-Levy (The White Princess) joins as Leo Drake, whose easy charm catches Mack’s attention despite her determination to steer clear of further romantic disasters. As for Glenn, he’s supposedly gone off to find himself, although the new images suggest his career change isn’t going entirely smoothly. So much for keeping things uncomplicated.
First-look pictures reunite the Dolphin Cove team
The newly released photos offer a few glimpses of what’s ahead. One shows Mack swapping her familiar waistcoat for a police uniform alongside Senior Sergeant Philomena Strong, played by Catherine McClements (Total Control). Another finds Mack and Colin getting ready to examine a crime scene, while Leo is busy bagging potential evidence.
Also returning are Celia Ireland (Wentworth) as Reggie Rocco and Aaron McGrath (Gold Diggers) as Constable Felix Wilkinson. The photos show Reggie and Felix back on the beat, while another image finds Glenn looking rather less comfortable than he’d probably like.
As usual, the murder cases will bring in plenty of guest stars. This year’s line-up includes Mark Lee (A Place to Call Home, La Brea), Ngali Shaw (Ladies in Black, The Twelve), Anthony Hayes (The Slap, Total Control), Zoe Ventoura (Packed to the Rafters, Time Bandits), Matt Day (Rake), Robert Mammone (The Matrix Reloaded) and Bruce Spence (Mad Max 2, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King).
A return trip to paradise, before Australia gets there
Created by Peter Mattessi, James Hall and Robert Thorogood, ‘Return to Paradise’ is produced by BBC Studios Australia Productions and Red Planet Pictures for Australia’s ABC, in association with the BBC. The spin-off has travelled well beyond Dolphin Cove, with BBC Studios licensing it to more than 93 territories worldwide.
In a rather nice twist for UK viewers, the BBC is actually getting this series before Australia, where ABC has scheduled its premiere for later in November. BBC One is also opening with a double bill, with the first episode at 7.30pm and the second following at 8.30pm. If you’d rather binge the earlier cases first, both previous series are available on BBC iPlayer now.
‘Return to Paradise‘ Season 3 premieres Friday, 6th November 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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