'Fund fresh ideas!' BBC Death in Paradise sparks anger as ANOTHER spin-off confirmed: 'How many more!'

'Fund fresh ideas!' BBC Death in Paradise sparks anger as ANOTHER spin-off confirmed: 'How many more!'

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INSTAGRAM/RALF LITTLE
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 09/11/2023

- 13:26

The Death in Paradise universe is expanding

The BBC has been urged to "let other fresh ideas get funding" by some disgruntled licence fee payers after it announced another spin-off to Death in Paradise.

Fans of the Caribbean-based comedy-drama will now be able to watch a new series set in Australia titled Return to Paradise, along with the latest UK-based spin-off Beyond Paradise which premiered this year.


While Death in Paradise is fronted by Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker and Beyond Paradise has Kris Marshall's Humphrey Goodman leading the drama, Return to Paradise will have a female officer in the leading role.

It also presents another first for the franchise by opening the door to an entirely new continent as Return to Paradise will be set in the beachside and picturesque location of Dolphin Cove, Australia.

Australian ex-pat Mackenzie Clarke is the woman who'll lead the way after she reluctantly heads back to her home town despite forging a career in London's Met Police, although casting for the role is yet to be confirmed.

After news of Return to Paradise's green light was announced, a number of people took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts on the show.

Ralf Little

Ralf Little (second from left) leads the cast of Death in Paradise

BBC

"Noooo! Already have beyond paradise!! Why add another spin off to death in paradise!! Let other fresh ideas get the funding... no need," one user penned in response to the news. "Don't over kill same drama making too many spin offs!!"

"Don't dilute the brand," a second hit out while a third quipped: "How many more spin-off's? it is making me dizzy!"

The criticism kept on coming as a fourth added to the online discussion: "This is reeeeeeally pushing the definition of ‘spin-off’."

However, there were some Death in Paradise diehards who were keen to see the franchise expand, including one X user who penned: "Holy moly, can it really be true? More Death in Paradise to grace our screens, and in #Australia too! Be still my breathing heart."

And a second opined: "I’ll admit it, I’m actually quite keen for an Australian Death in Paradise spin-off." (sic)

Return to Paradise hasn't yet begun filming as a start date is penned in for next year.

The six-part drama will be produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia with Red Planet Pictures for the ABC, in association with the BBC.

After announcing the news, the BBC's Head of Programme Acquisition, Sue Deeks, lauded the decision.

"Everything we all love about Death in Paradise - the humour, the beautiful scenery, the likeable characters, the ingenious plots - now in a fabulous Australian setting," she said.

Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton

Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton are the main stars of Beyond Paradise

BBC

"I cannot wait for BBC viewers to be introduced to Detective Mack and the good (and not so good!) folk of Dolphin Cove. What a treat we have in store!"

A release date for the new spin-off is unconfirmed at the time of writing.

The Beeb will be hoping the upcoming overseas project will fare better in the ratings than its latest big-money series, Survivor.

The Joel Dommett-led series - filmed in the Caribbean - premiered at the end of October but has reportedly already sparked crisis talks due to less-than-impressive ratings in the Saturday primetime slot.

So much so, GB News heard exclusively that bookmakers are already tipping the BBC reality show to be axed after just one run.

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