November 22nd 2024.
Next up on the horizon is a new chapter in the beloved BBC franchise, Death In Paradise. Many fans have eagerly followed the show since its debut in 2011, with four male detectives taking the lead: Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O'Hanlon, and Ralf Little. However, the show is about to make history with its first female lead, Anna Samson. And she couldn't be prouder.
Anna, a 34-year-old actress known for her role in Home and Away, won't be taking over for Ralf Little, but instead, she will be fronting her own show, Return to Paradise. Set in the stunning coastal region of Illawarra in Australia, the spin-off promises to bring a new flavor to the franchise.
In an interview with Metro, Anna expressed her excitement and gratitude for being the first female detective in Death In Paradise. Despite the change, she assured fans that they won't be disappointed. She believes that the show's audience is intelligent and kind, and ready for a female detective.
Anna also shared that setting the show in Australia will change its DNA more than having a female lead. She believes that the show's core is about kindness and inclusivity, which is hard to achieve without diversity. Thus, having a female detective is not a big departure from the original.
While she didn't think her casting as DI Mackenzie Clarke would come as a shock to audiences, Anna admitted that the role was nerve-wracking and surreal for her. As an Australian ex-pat who made a name for herself in London's Met Police, Mackenzie returns to her homeland after six years, a place she never wanted to be.
She recalled the moment when she got the call from her agent about the casting, saying that it was nerve-wracking and surreal. She also felt the weight of taking over from the previous beloved male British actors, but she reminded herself that she can't replicate what they did. She brings her own unique self to the show, and she's proud of that.
When asked about the pressure to continue the franchise, Anna shared that she feels a bit of both pressure and excitement. She acknowledged the responsibility to do her best and please both her colleagues and the audience. However, she also sees Return To Paradise as a new story, and her character is not aware of the pressure to continue the franchise.
In the end, Anna revealed that she can relate to parts of her character, DI Mackenzie Clarke. And while she has to manage the pressure of being a performer, she's grateful and proud to be a part of this momentous role.
As the beloved BBC franchise, Death In Paradise, continues to captivate audiences with its tropical mysteries and charming detectives, a new chapter is about to unfold. This time, the spotlight will shine on the stunning Australian coastal region of Illawarra, with actress Anna Samson leading the way as the first female detective to front the show.
Known for her role in Home And Away, the 34-year-old actress will be playing DI Mackenzie Clarke, an Australian ex-pat who has made a name for herself in London's Met Police for solving seemingly impossible cases. But despite her success, Mackenzie is forced to return to her homeland, a place she never wanted to go back to, after six years away.
While this may be a huge change for the franchise, Anna assures fans that they won't be disappointed. In an interview with Metro, she shared, "I think that the Death In Paradise audiences are smart and kind and very ready for a female detective. I don't think it changes the DNA of the show that much at all."
As for the nerves and pressure that come with stepping into such a monumental role, Anna admits that she initially felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. "When I first heard about my casting, it was nerve-wracking and surreal taking the mantle from these wonderful, characterful detectives," she revealed. "But I bring me to the show, and that's not something I can help."
Despite the responsibility and expectations that come with being the first female lead, Anna is proud and grateful for the opportunity. "Along with the fear and the responsibility, there was, and there is, a huge amount of pride, and I was, and am, pleased as punch," she shared.
But with this new role also comes a sense of pressure to continue the success of the franchise. Anna acknowledges this but also sees it as a clean slate to tell a new story. "You really do have to switch that part of your brain off at work," she explained. "In your own home life, you have to figure out how to manage that."
As for her character, Anna reveals that she can relate to parts of DI Mackenzie Clarke. "She's someone that has a sense of right and wrong and justice and fairness, and I can relate to that," she shared. "But also, she's someone that has a very strong sense of self-preservation, which I think we all have to a certain extent."
As the first female lead in the Death In Paradise franchise, Anna is making history and paving the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling. But for her, it's not about breaking barriers or making a statement. It's simply about telling a good story and portraying a strong and relatable character. And that's something we can all be excited about.
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