The BBC has released first-look images from the third season of Return to Paradise, the Australian Death in Paradise spin-off, revealing a potential new love interest for detective Mackenzie Clarke and the long-awaited arrival of her mother.
The new series, which begins on 6 November, introduces Jacob Collins as Leo Drake, a pathologist brought in to replace Glenn Strong (Tai Hara) after Mack's former fiancé departed Dolphin Cove. The new doctor is described as having a "raffish charm Mack can't seem to deny."
Mack's mother finally appears
Another first-look image shows Mack's mother Jillian, played by Kerry Armstrong, leaning in for a kiss on the cheek. Jillian has been referenced since the first episode, as her absence was the reason Mack returned to Dolphin Cove, only to find her mother had already left on another adventure. Two seasons later, she finally appears on screen.
Jillian is described as a "force of nature" who flies into Dolphin Cove "much to Mack's dismay" just as a new case begins.
Returning characters and cases
Mack and Senior Constable Colin Cartwright return for the third season, tackling some of Dolphin Cove's most difficult murders, including the stabbing of an artist in front of her audience, a victim found in a locked cage, and a famous film director shot at her own screening.
School teacher turned volunteer officer Reggie Rocco and Constable Felix Wilkinson also return, hitting the streets together for clues in a particularly rough case. Catherine McClements reprises her role as Philomena Strong, Mack's boss and Glenn's mother, seen chatting with Mack over coffee.
The show returns to the BBC on 6 November.
