That\u2019s right, the cameras have begun to roll Down Under as the Australia-set series starts to take shape \u2013 and further casting has now been announced.<\/p>\n
Anna Samson (Dead Lucky, Wake in Fright) is DI Mackenzie Clarke \u2013 the franchise\u2019s first female lead detective \u2013 an Australian expat who returns to her hometown of Dolphin Cove somewhat against her will, and gets stuck right into work at the local police station.<\/p>\n
Well, now we finally have a first look at Mackenzie in the series (above), as she looks to be in something of a trance as she\u2019s about to get into her car with her dog.<\/p>\n
Could the four-legged friend be the next Harry the Lizard<\/a>? Only time will tell.<\/p>\n As of now, we know that filming has commenced, and will continue across various locations throughout Sydney and the stunning Illawarra coastal region, no doubt giving the fictional island of Saint Marie a run for its money.<\/p>\n On the announcement of filming getting under way on Return to Paradise, co-creator and executive producer Peter Mattessi said: \u201cI\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are having so much fun creating this brand new mystery series that brings an Australian twist to one of the globe\u2019s most successful television franchises.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The new series will, of course, throw up intriguing new mysteries and cases for Mackenzie and her team, but will have \u201ca distinctively Australian flare\u201d, according to the synopsis.<\/p>\n Have no fear, though \u2013 Return to Paradise will \u201cpay homage to the \u2018Paraverse’\u201d.<\/p> While the cast is being led by Samson as Mackenzie, the exciting ensemble has also now been announced, and includes Tai Hara (Home and Away) as Mackenzie\u2019s ex-fianc\u00e9e Glenn, who Mackenzie awkwardly left at the altar.<\/p>\n The rest of the cast includes\u00a0Lloyd Griffith (Ted Lasso<\/a>), Catherine McClements (Total Control), Celia Ireland (Wentworth), Andrea Demetriades (Mother and Son) and Aaron McGrath (Gold Diggers).<\/p>\n Read more:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The show will follow Mackenzie after she moves from London and her life in the Met, where she was known for solving the most difficult cases. But things went awry in the big city after she\u2019s accused of tampering with evidence.<\/p>\n While she doesn\u2019t exactly want to return, she soon goes back to her hometown, Dolphin Cove in Australia, where she left behind unwelcome memories and an ex-fianc\u00e9e.<\/p>\n As per the synopsis: \u201cWith no other job options, and a unique talent for solving a mystery, no matter how challenging, a reluctant Mack joins the team at Dolphin Cove Police Station.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce a case lands on her desk, she can\u2019t rest until she\u2019s figured it out, and the killer is in handcuffs. It\u2019s that tenacity and work ethic that might just, over time, help Mackenzie win over her new colleagues, and the people of Dolphin Cove.\u201d<\/p>\n While there\u2019s been no release date confirmed just yet, we do know that the series will air in the UK on BBC One and iPlayer, and then on ABC and ABC iview in Australia later this year.<\/p>\n![\"Tai](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2024\/04\/Tai-Hara-ec24e1e.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413\" "\\"Sahela\\"\/")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>\n