Is Return to Paradise returning for season 2?

Thankfully, that's just what we've got, with the future of the show having now been confirmed in some exciting news for fans.

The murder mystery series first debuted in the UK in November 2024, and followed the story of Mackenzie Clarke, a DI who moved from Australia to London six years ago.

She reluctantly fled back to her hometown of Dolphin Cove at the start of the series, after she was accused of evidence tampering on a big case.

This meant she was forced to face her ex, forensic pathologist Glenn Strong, who she abandoned at the altar before she left the first time – with the season ending on a dramatic note for the former couple.

But are we heading back to Dolphin Cove to find out what's next? Read on for everything you need to know about Return to Paradise season 2.

Is Return to Paradise returning for season 2?

It is! It was confirmed on 17th April 2025 that not only was the series returning, but that filming had already begun in Australia.

Tim Key, executive producer for Red Planet Pictures, said in a statement: "We were delighted that the world took Mack and the rest of the Australian team to their hearts and it’s a pleasure to be back on the beat with the wonderful cast and crew Down Under.

"We can promise another series full of ingenious murders, romantic complications and glorious Australian locations, all infused with the unique warmth and humour of the Paradise shows."

When could Return to Paradise season 2 air?

It hasn't yet been confirmed when the second season of Return to Paradise will air, but if the show follows the release pattern of the other two Paraverse shows – Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise – then we'd expect it to stick to a fairly tight, yearly schedule.

Death in Paradise tends to arrive back on our screens each January or February, while Beyond Paradise starts airing directly after that has finished airing.

The first season of Return to Paradise arrived in September in Australia and November in the UK – so we may see it on at a similar time of year in 2025.

Who will be back in the cast for Return to Paradise season 2?

It has been confirmed that all of the central cast will be back for season 2, with Anna Samson and Lloyd Griffith amongst the returnees.

Ardal O'Hanlon will also be back as Jack Mooney, the former Death in Paradise lead detective and Mackenzie's former boss when she was working in London.

Meanwhile, guest stars announced to be appearing in the new season include Danielle Cormack, Meyne Wyatt, Roz Hammond, Justine Clarke, Michelle Lim Davidson, Greg Stone, Zoe Carides, Simon Lyndon, Miah Madden and Tim Rogers.

Here's a full list of the currently announced central and recurring cast for Return to Paradise season 2:

• Anna Samson as Mackenzie Clarke
• Lloyd Griffith as Colin Cartwright
• Tai Hara as Glenn Strong
• Catherine McClements as Philomena Strong
• Celia Ireland as Reggie Rocco
• Andrea Demetriades as Daisy Dixon
• Aaron McGrath as Felix Wilkinson
• Ardal O’Hanlon as Jack Mooney

What will happen in Return to Paradise season 2?

The official synopsis for season 2 says that it will "reunite us with Detective Sergeant Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Clarke (Anna Samson), who’s longing to get back to the UK and the life she’s always craved".

The synopsis continues: "But for now she’s stuck in Dolphin Cove, dodging her ex-fiancée Glenn’s (Tai Hara) upcoming wedding after overhearing his unexpected declaration of love in the series one finale - a confession that she can’t unhear.

"Luckily for Mack, her compulsion to solve impossible cases serves as a great distraction, and there’s no shortage of murders to investigate.

"From the literary world to state-of-the-art shark labs, dating apps and rock concerts, Mack and her team face challenging mysteries with their unique blend of humour and tenacity. But Mack’s biggest challenge of all? Finding a way to exist in Dolphin Cove as the ultimate outsider."

At the end of season 1, Mackenzie made the decision to head back to London after she was cleared of evidence tampering, but despite her initial reluctance to return to Dolphin Cove, she wasn't ecstatic about leaving.

But what does the future hold for her and Glenn? He is now engaged to Daisy after she proposed to him, but Mackenzie then overheard her ex telling Frankie the dog that he thinks he still loves her, which is quite the pickle indeed.

It's safe to say Glenn and Daisy aren't built to last, but how long will Glenn continue to pretend that everything's hunky dory?

Daisy could clearly sense that there was still something bubbling away between her partner and his ex. Will she decide to pull the plug on her relationship?

And will Mack and Glenn be able to take that next step and actually tie the knot if they do get back together?

Season 2 can't arrive quickly enough.

Is there a trailer for Return to Paradise season 2?

As filming has just begun on Return to Paradise season 2, there isn't a trailer available just yet. However, we will make sure to add one in as soon as it is released.

Return to Paradise airs on BBC One and iPlayer.

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