Return to Paradise will arrive on BBC One and iPlayer this month, and it's the latest in the very popular Death in Paradise franchise (also known rather awkwardly as the Paraverse).

The new series is an Australia-set spin-off from the original Saint Marie-based detective drama Death in Paradise. Fans will know that Beyond Paradise - featuring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman - is currently filming its third series.

So what is Return to Paradise about, who is in the cast, where's it filmed, and when's the start date? Here's everything you need to know...

Is Return to Paradise a spin-off of Death in Paradise?

Return to Paradise is the second spin-off following the success of Death in Paradise, which has been running ever since 2011.

Beyond Paradise, the UK-set spin-off from Death in Paradise, launched on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in February 2023.

It quickly became the UK's most watched new drama of the year so far. You're in good hands with Return to Paradise.

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, said: "Everything we all love about Death in Paradise - the humour, the beautiful scenery, the likeable characters, the ingenious plots - now in a fabulous Australian setting.

"I cannot wait for BBC viewers to be introduced to Detective Mack and the good (and not so good!) folk of Dolphin Cove. What a treat we have in store!"

Return to Paradise combines the winning formula of a fish out of water DI with a murder mystery, and gives it a uniquely Aussie flavour.

What is the Death in Paradise spin-off about?

Australian ex-pat Mackenzie Clarke - the franchise's first female lead detective - reluctantly returns to her Australian hometown years after leaving her fiancé at the altar (ouch). However, once there, she's pulled into a tricky murder investigation.

At first, she's the golden girl of the London Metropolitan police force, having built a reputation for being able to crack the most impossible of cases. However, when she's suddenly forced to up sticks and move back to her childhood home of Dolphin Cove, it's Mackenzie's worst nightmare.

A BBC synopsis tell us: "Having escaped her hometown at the earliest opportunity six years ago, Mack vowed she'd never come back, leaving a lot of unfinished business and unanswered questions.

"On her return she's still no fan of the town, and the people of Dolphin Cove are certainly no fans of hers. In fact everyone would prefer her not to be there, including Mackenzie herself."

However, when a murder takes place in Dolphin Cove, Mack can't help but investigate. And, in the meantime, she attempts to tie up the loose ends with the man she left at the altar six years ago.

How many episodes is Return to Paradise on BBC One and BBC iPlayer?

Return to Paradise is a six-part series, produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia.

Each episode will be one glorious hour long of beautiful beaches, sunshine, and crimes to solve. On paper, this looks like the perfect cosy crime drama.

The BBC said: "Return to Paradise is six gripping, twisting and fiendishly clever murder mysteries – all against the spectacular backdrop of the Australian coastal landscape."

Where is Return to Paradise set?

Return to Paradise is set in the idyllic, beachside hamlet of Dolphin Cove. The beautiful, coastal paradise is a not a real place in Australia (although there IS a Dolphin Cove in Jamaica).

In fact, the BBC murder mystery series was filmed in and around Illawarra, a coastal region in the southeast of New South Wales. The series was also filmed on Sydney's northern beaches.

Who plays DI Mackenzie Clarke?

British-born Australian actress Anna Samson portrays DI Mackenzie Clarke in the cast of Beyond Paradise.

Anna is probably most famous for playing Mia Anderson in Home & Away, a role she played between 2021 and 2022.

She's also known for playing Anna Jamison in Dead Lucky, Kendra in Jack Irish, and Steph Le Guin in Hunters.

Who else is in the cast?

Sydney-born actor Tai Hara, 34, portrays Mack's former fiancé Glenn Strong, who she abruptly left behind years ago. Will he forgive her for breaking his heart?

Tai is also a former Home & Away star, having played Andi Barrett for three years between 2013 and 2016. More recently, he plays James in Colin from Accounts.

DI Clarke will be partnered up with Detective Colin Cartwright, played by British actor and stand-up comedian Lloyd Griffith. He's known for playing Lloyd in Ted Lasso.

The supporting cast also includes Mystery Road's Aaron L McGrath, and Wentworth Prison's Celia Ireland as Constable Felix Wilkinson and Reggie Rocco respectively.

The series also stars Catherine McClements (Total Control) and Andrea Demetriades (Mother and Son).

How can I watch Return to Paradise in the UK?

Beyond Paradise takes the usual Paraverse slot of Friday nights. The first episode airs on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

It will air weekly on the channel.

Beyond Paradise starts on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.