Death in Paradise spin-off finally gets release date after show first - and it's soon

Death in Paradise's spin-off Return To Paradise has been given a release date - and it's soon.

Return To Paradise is the Australian version of the hit show, with Home and Away actress Anna Samson taking on the role of DI Mackenzie Clarke. She is forced to head back to Australia after she is accused of tampering with evidence, and she has to head back to her hometown of Dolphin Cove, which she hates.

The series also stars Lloyd Griffith (Ted Lasso), Tai Hara (Home and Away), Catherine McClements (Total Control), Celia Ireland (Wentworth), Andrea Demetriades (Mother and Son), and Aaron McGrath (Gold Diggers).

A description of the series reveals: "Having fled the town six years ago, infamously leaving her ex- fiancée Glenn at the altar, Mackenzie is not welcome here. But with 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.

"Once a case lands on her desk, she can't rest until she’s figured it out and the killer is in handcuffs. It’s that tenacity and work ethic that might just, over time, help Mackenzie win over her new colleagues and the people of Dolphin Cove."

The series will begin on BBC One on Friday, November 22 at 8pm, and bosses are said to be hopeful it will emulate the success of Beyond Paradise, which stars Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman.

On Death In Paradise itself, there will be a big change as EastEnders star Don Gilet replaces Ralf Little. DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) exited at the end of the last series when he decided to go travelling with Florence Cassell. Now DI Mervin Wilson will take over, with Don saying of the role: "Being offered the new lead role in Death in Paradise feels like a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel has been placed in my hands. This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it.

"It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated. Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer."

*Return To Paradise starts on Friday, November 22 at 8pm on BBC One.