Welcome to the picturesque coastal town of Dolphin Cove, where the sun is hot, the ocean is inviting, and secrets lie buried just beneath the sand. Return to Paradise follows Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson), a sharp and accomplished investigator who is forced to return to the idyllic Australian hometown she fled years ago, leaving behind a broken engagement and a trail of unresolved history. Her plan to keep her head down and her stay temporary is shattered when a brutal crime rocks the small community, and her expertise becomes its only hope for justice.

Now, Mac must navigate the minefield of her past while leading a high-stakes investigation under the watchful eyes of those she once left behind—including her ex-fiancé, Glenn Strong (Tai Hara), and his mother, her formidable new boss, Senior Sergeant Philomena Strong (Catherine McClements). As the case deepens, old wounds are reopened, and long-held grudges surface, proving that in a small town, everyone is a suspect, and the past is never truly past. This is a gripping procedural where the personal and professional dangerously collide, set against a deceptively beautiful backdrop.

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Meet the Cast of Return to Paradise

1: Anna Samson as DI Mackenzie Clarke

Anna Samson delivers a powerhouse performance as DI Mackenzie “Mac” Clarke, a woman whose tough exterior and brilliant deductive mind hide a deep well of personal vulnerability. Samson masterfully portrays Mac’s internal conflict, caught between her disdain for the town that holds so many painful memories and her innate, uncompromising drive to seek justice for the victim. Her journey is one of reluctant homecoming, professional triumph, and personal reconciliation.

Samson’s chemistry with the entire ensemble is electric, particularly in her scenes with Tai Hara and Catherine McClements, where every glance is loaded with years of history. She brings a relatable grit and determination to the role, making Mac a compelling heroine whose intelligence is matched only by the emotional walls she must break down to solve the case and find her place in the community she once abandoned.

2: Lloyd Griffith as DSC Colin Cartwright

Lloyd Griffith brings warmth and wit to the role of Detective Sergeant Colin Cartwright, Mac’s eager-to-please second-in-command who was assigned from the UK on an officer exchange program. Griffith portrays Colin as the quintessential “fish out of water,” whose cheerful British optimism and slightly unorthodox methods clash with the laid-back Aussie style of policing, but whose loyalty and sharp instincts make him an invaluable partner.

Griffith provides much of the series’ levity, but his performance also reveals a competent and empathetic detective determined to prove his worth. His unwavering support for Mac, even when she tries to push him away, forms the foundation of a charming and effective partnership. He is the friendly face that helps Mac navigate the hostility of her return.

3: Tai Hara as Glenn Strong

Tai Hara is compelling as Glenn Strong, Mac’s handsome and successful ex-fiancé, who has rebuilt his life since she left him at the altar. Hara brings a layered depth to Glenn, portraying him not as a bitter scorned lover, but as a complex man wrestling with residual hurt, pride, and an undeniable, lingering connection to Mac. His life is deeply intertwined with the town and the case, forcing them into an uneasy proximity.

Hara’s chemistry with Anna Samson is palpable, filled with a tense mix of unresolved passion and old grievances. His character’s journey involves protecting his family’s reputation and confronting the truth about his own past, making him a potential ally, a suspect, and a complication in Mac’s investigation all at once.

4: Catherine McClements as Senior Sergeant Philomena Strong

Catherine McClements commands the screen as Senior Sergeant Philomena “Phil” Strong, Glenn’s mother and Mac’s new commanding officer. McClements embodies a formidable matriarch, a woman who has risen to lead the town’s police force with an iron will and a deep love for her community. Her feelings about Mac’s return are a volatile mix of professional respect and personal resentment for the heartbreak she caused her son.

McClements’ performance is a masterclass in authority and subtle emotion. Phil is a fair but tough boss, and her scenes with Mac are charged with a fascinating power dynamic, as both women are forced to set aside their history for the sake of the job. She is a pillar of the community with secrets of her own to protect.

5: Celia Ireland as Reggie Rocco

Celia Ireland steals every scene she’s in as Reggie Rocco, the owner of the local pub and the town’s unofficial gossip hub. Ireland brings a brash, no-nonsense energy and a heart of gold to the role, making Reggie a beloved fixture who knows everyone’s business but is fiercely protective of her own. Her establishment is the social heart of Dolphin Cove, and her insights often provide Mac with crucial, off-the-record leads.

Ireland’s performance is filled with warmth and humor, providing a much-needed safe haven for Mac amidst the town’s judgment. Reggie’s loyalty to her friends and her sharp tongue for her enemies make her a formidable ally and a entertaining confidante, representing the true spirit of the town.

6: Aaron L. McGrath as Constable Felix Wilkinson

Aaron L. McGrath is endearing as Constable Felix Wilkinson, a young, bright-eyed, and incredibly eager local constable who views Mac’s arrival with star-struck admiration. McGrath perfectly captures Felix’s enthusiasm and slight naivety, portraying a young cop desperate to prove himself and move from writing parking tickets to solving real crimes.

Felix’s local knowledge and unwavering dedication become unexpected assets to Mac’s investigation. McGrath’s chemistry with Anna Samson and Lloyd Griffith is delightful, as Felix learns the ropes from two very different detective styles. His character brings a sense of hopefulness and fresh perspective to the force.

7: Andrea Demetriades as Daisy Dixon

Andrea Demetriades is captivating as Daisy Dixon, a enigmatic and sophisticated newcomer to Dolphin Cove who owns a trendy art gallery. Demetriades brings a magnetic and slightly mysterious presence to the role, making Daisy a figure of fascination and suspicion. Her arrival in town seems to coincide with the rising tension, and her connections to several key players make her a person of interest.

Demetriades keeps the audience guessing about Daisy’s true motives, blending charm with an undercurrent of secrecy. Her interactions with Mac are a tense game of cat and mouse, as the detective tries to determine if she is a witness, a suspect, or something else entirely.

8: Ron Smyck as Trevor Bongiovanni

Ron Smyck portrays Trevor Bongiovanni, a wealthy and influential property developer with grand plans for Dolphin Cove that are meeting with fierce local resistance. Smyck brings a smarmy charm and underlying menace to the role, creating a classic villain you love to hate. Trevor’s financial interests and ruthless ambition give him a powerful motive that places him squarely in the crosshairs of Mac’s investigation.

Smyck’s performance is perfectly pitched, making Trevor a formidable antagonist whose public persona of a benevolent businessman masks a cutthroat operator. He represents the threat of change to the town’s way of life, and his conflicts with residents provide multiple suspects and motives.

9: Michelle Lim Davidson as [Character Name – TBA]

Michelle Lim Davidson joins the cast in a pivotal yet-to-be-revealed role, widely speculated to be a close friend or relative of the victim with critical information. Known for her comedic and dramatic chops, Davidson is expected to bring a nuanced performance as a character deeply affected by the crime, whose grief or secrets hold the key to unlocking the entire case.

Her involvement will undoubtedly add another layer of emotional depth and local color to the intricate tapestry of Dolphin Cove’s community. Davidson’s character is poised to be a crucial confidante for another character or a surprising obstacle in Mac’s path.

10: Danielle Cormack as Asher Svensson

Danielle Cormack guests stars as Asher Svensson, a enigmatic and powerful figure from Mac’s past in the city whose sudden appearance in Dolphin Cove is deeply unsettling. Cormack brings her signature intensity and magnetic screen presence to the role, making it immediately clear that Asher is not there for a holiday. Her motives are unclear, and her history with Mac is complex and potentially dark.

Cormack’s performance introduces a thrilling wildcard into the narrative, threatening to expose secrets Mac has worked hard to bury. Asher’s presence suggests that the case in Paradise might be connected to a much larger, more dangerous world that Mac thought she had left behind.

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Why You’ll Be Hooked

• Compelling Central Mystery: A twisty case that keeps you guessing until the final moment.

• Rich Character Dynamics: The tangled web of past relationships adds emotional weight to every interaction.

• Stunning Australian Setting: The contrast between the beautiful locale and the dark crime is cinematic and engaging.

• Perfect Blend of Genres: expertly mixes police procedural, personal drama, and a touch of romance.

Mark Your Calendars!

Return to Paradise begins streaming September 2, 2025, exclusively on BritBox. Get ready for a mystery where the biggest secrets are hiding in plain sight.