Return to Paradise star shares personal connection to her character

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of detective games, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgic excitement when it comes to Anna Samson’s portrayal of DI Mackenzie Clarke in Return to Paradise. Being an expat myself, having left my native England for the sun-kissed shores of Australia, I find a peculiar kinship with Mackenzie’s character. Like her, I too felt like an outsider in my adopted homeland and it took me years to truly appreciate the charm of my new home.


Actress Anna Samson, who plays DI Mackenzie Clarke in the film “Return to Paradise,” shares insights into the connection she has with her screen character.

During a conversation with Digital Spy and other media professionals, Samson, known for her role as the initial female lead detective in the “Death in Paradise” series, pondered upon their mutual link.

Samson shared that he and Mackenzie have something in common – we were both born in England and relocated to Australia during our teenage years. He mentioned that adjusting to life in Australia was difficult for him over a prolonged period.

As a gamer, I confessed that my virtual character finds no appeal in the Aussie landscape, since I’ve settled down in London instead.

Return to Paradise star shares personal connection to her character

Samson clarified that although her character had resided in London working for the Metropolitan Police, an atmosphere of doubt and potential misconduct prompted her return to her Australian hometown, Dolphin Cove – a place she didn’t wish to stay.

Mackenzie always seemed to lack a sense of belonging there. It appears, much like many others, she often feels out of sync with the world, as if she doesn’t truly fit in.

Samson shared more insights into her life as an expat, admitting: “For quite some time, I felt unfamiliar and foreign, even sunburned at times, in Australia. It took me years to understand and appreciate what Australia had to offer.

Return to Paradise star shares personal connection to her character

“So there’s a bit of an overlap with Mackenzie and Anna in that way.”

She added: “I think that’s a feeling that most of us can understand but [Mackenzie] also looks for evidence that she doesn’t belong and if you look for that evidence in the world, you’ll always find it.

She might sometimes be too focused and unaware of those who are welcoming towards her, or the opportunities within a smaller group that could benefit her.

Previously on “Home and Away,” the actress confessed with enthusiasm that she was thrilled beyond measure upon discovering she would play Mackenzie in “Return to Paradise.

Return to Paradise star shares personal connection to her character

She clarified that she is deeply fond of stories centered around mysteries involving murders, or investigations led by law enforcement personnel, whether in books, TV shows, or movies.

Since my early days, I’ve felt an innate longing deep within me to become a detective, especially one on the BBC. So, these recent developments have proven extremely fortunate for me.

I found it incredibly magical and joyful to realize that the production was underway, and I’d be portraying Mackenzie Clarke in it.

After her initial response, she also mentioned: “For the 24 hours following my agent’s call, I was just filled with joy, then I thought, ‘Uh oh, I really have to do this’ – as there’s a certain amount of pressure associated with joining a major franchise, but mostly it’s about taking pride in being part of something big.

On this coming Friday, November 22nd, “Return to Paradise” premieres on BBC One. You can also catch “Beyond Paradise” and “Death in Paradise,” both of which are aired on BBC One, and they’re available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.

Read more Death in Paradise news on our dedicated homepage

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2024-11-19 11:18

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