April 9th 2024.
Anna Samson is about to make history by becoming the first female lead detective in the popular programme, Death In Paradise. The talented actress will be taking on the role of DI Mackenzie Clarke in the Australian spin-off of the crime comedy drama, Return to Paradise. Fans in the UK can look forward to watching the show on BBC and iPlayer later this year.
The original series, which is set on the picturesque Caribbean island of Saint Marie, has been a fan-favourite since its debut in 2011. Viewers have seen four male leads solve cases in the sunny paradise - Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O'Hanlon, and most recently, Ralf Little, who has now left the series.
Speaking about his departure, Ralf shared on BBC Breakfast, "If it was just a heart decision, I would have wanted to do it for 20 more years. But for the show and for my character Neville, it just felt like his story was finished and his journey deserved to be completed. He deserved a happy ending and it just felt right."
Now, it's Anna's turn to take the reins and bring a fresh perspective to the show. Her character, DI Mackenzie Clarke, will lead a new era for Death In Paradise as she takes on cases in Australia. As we eagerly wait for the new episodes, let's learn more about the talented actress, including her role on Home and Away and her upbringing.
Anna has always been passionate about acting. She was born in the UK, then moved to Nigeria, before finally settling in Australia during her teenage years. Her love for the stage was evident from a young age - she once told Toasting Aussie Theatre, "I was about four years old when I confronted my parents with my plans to be on the stage." She attended a performing arts high school in Sydney and quickly fell in love with theatre. Anna shared, "The stage has always been where I feel my best, and it brings out the best in me."
Although theatre is her first love, Anna has also grown to love the world of screen acting. She told Cinema Australia in 2017, "My whole world is opening up in terms of the film and TV industry for me, so that's really exciting." She got her first TV role in 2012, and has since starred in popular shows such as Dead Lucky, Winners and Losers, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, and more.
Her biggest role to date was on the soap Home and Away, where she played Mia Anderson from February 2021 to April 2022. Her character was a single mother to Chloe and got caught up in a murder cover-up with Ari, who she eventually marries. However, Mia leaves Summer Bay after Ari's death, as the memories are too painful for her to bear.
In Return to Paradise, Anna will be playing DI Mackenzie Clarke, a talented Australian detective who has worked her way up in London's Metropolitan Police. However, when she is accused of tampering with evidence, she returns to her hometown of Dolphin Cove, where she is not exactly welcomed with open arms. Her character must use her skills to solve a mystery and win over the people of Dolphin Cove.
Anna has been excited to share her new role with fans, writing on Instagram, "Been absolutely dying to tell everyone where I've disappeared to and why my hair is this colour. Thanks for all the love. Paradise here we come." The new series promises to have a unique Australian flair, with gorgeous coastal locations and a talented cast that includes Lloyd Griffith, Tai Hara, Catherine McClements, Celia Ireland, Andrea Demetriades, and Aaron McGrath.
Co-creator and executive producer Peter Mattessi expressed his excitement for the new series, saying, "We are having so much fun creating this brand-new mystery series that brings an Australian twist to one of the globe's most successful television franchises. We 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."
Return to Paradise will air on BBC One and iPlayer later this year. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us, calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We'd love to hear from you.
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