Death in Paradise enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation that Ardal O'Hanlon, famed for his role as DI Jack Mooney, might make a comeback in the show's spin-off, Return to Paradise, set to premiere in Australia next month. Ardal waved goodbye to Death in Paradise in its ninth series, passing the detective baton to Ralf Little's character Neville Parker. But chatter on a Facebook fan page dedicated to the hit BBC series suggests Ardal could be making a surprise appearance in the spin-off, which will also introduce the franchise's first female lead.
"Apparently we will see Ardal in this series in an episode," one eager fan commented during a discussion about Return to Paradise. Another chimed in: "I have heard Jack Mooney may make an appearance but who knows," reports the Express. Another fan added: "Ardal will make a guest appearance in this series.
" Meanwhile, another shared their hopes: "I'd like to see where Neville and Florence end up, but maybe it's good to have an end with a mystery." Set in the stunning Dolphin Cove in Australia, Return to Paradise will feature Anna Samson as Detective Mackenzie Clarke. The official blurb teases: "The former London Metropolitan police officer is celebrated for her sharp detective skills and her ability to crack cases that others find impossible.
"Mackenzie, having vowed never to return to her hometown six years ago, is unexpectedly pulled back to Dolphin Cove, haunted by unfinished business and unanswered questions." The former London Metropolitan police officer is known for her intuitive detective skills and a knack for solving seemingly unsolvable cases. As the trailer for the much-anticipated spin-off begins, Mackenzie can be heard having a tiff in a cab as she heads back to her roots, exclaiming: "I am a paying customer," only to receive a weary retort: "I can't believe you came back.
" Later, she contemplates her difficult bond with her hometown, remarking: "It has been six years and no one here still likes me." Things quickly heat up for her back in town when a corpse appears on the beach - she wastes no time butting heads with another detective (Lloyd Griffith) working the case. BBC's head buyer Sue Deeks couldn't hide her enthusiasm about the series, commenting: "Everything we all love about Death in Paradise, the humour, the beautiful scenery, the likeable characters, the ingenious plots - now in an incredible Australian backdrop.
" "I cannot wait for BBC viewers to get acquainted with Detective Mack and the residents (both great and not so grand!) of Dolphin Cove. What a delight is on the horizon! Return to Paradise airs on September 8 on ABC..
