Big change for Return to Paradise’s Mackenzie: Season 2 to bring something “entirely different”

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Season two of Return to Paradise will challenge lead detective Mackenzie Clarke, as her character experiences a significant and profound change.

Anna Samson plays Mackenzie, who started the first season of the show as an outcast in her hometown, Dolphin Cove. Six years earlier, she’d left her fiancé, Glenn (played by Tai Hara), at the wedding. Her return home forced her to confront past problems, and the second season looks set to explore those issues even further.

I just read an interview with Samson where they talked about Mackenzie’s storyline in the new season! It sounds like they really shared a lot about what Mackenzie goes through, and it was cool to get some inside info from Digital Spy.

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Samson believes that truly deserving romantic love, and letting friends support you, are fundamental parts of life. He notes that these areas are changing for this person, sometimes with intention and sometimes without her even realizing it, and these shifts are what really matter.

Samson explained in more detail why the slow, inner transformation of the typically quiet and honest Mackenzie was so impactful.

Allowing her personality to evolve gradually is a more nuanced approach than simply having her instantly start using polite words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

Throughout the story, she definitely evolves, and viewers see a more vulnerable side of her. Other characters experience growth as well. She tries to appear strong and reserved, but someone perceptive like Philomena would immediately see through her facade and understand what she’s really feeling.

The actor from Mackenzie said she was surprised by how popular her detective character became with fans, particularly girls aged around 13 to 15.

Samson expressed how rewarding it is to see the reaction from that audience. He was particularly touched by young women sharing that they feel different or don’t quite fit in, and how they connect with a lead character on TV who also feels that way. It’s powerful to know he’s conveyed the message that you don’t need to conform to be accepted and loved.

You don’t need to conform to what others expect. You don’t have to be constantly agreeable or ‘nice’ to earn love and respect. It’s something important to share, and I’m proud to be doing so.

Season 2 of Return to Paradise premieres on BBC One at 8pm on Friday, October 31st. You can also watch it on BBC iPlayer immediately after it airs. If you missed it, Season 1 is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-10-30 10:19