BBC Death in Paradise star returns to show in new spin-off and fans are thrilled

The new spin-off of Death in Paradise, Return to Paradise, had fans buzzing with excitement on Friday night. Viewers were delighted to see Anna Samson take on the role of the show's first female lead, Mackenzie Clarke, alongside Lloyd Griffith as Colin Cartwright.

Despite mixed reactions to this new chapter, fans were overjoyed to see Ardal O'Hanlon, who previously played DI Jack Mooney, make a return. One scene that particularly caught viewers' attention was when Mackenzie contacted Jack, who was in London.

Jack responded with a simple "Mooney," to which Mackenzie urgently replied: "Don't hang up," according to Manchester Evening News. Jack retorted: "I am actually at work," leading Mackenzie to ask: "Yes, obviously. What is the situation? Is there going to be an inquiry? " After a brief pause, Jack joked: "No, I am pretty happy with my mobile plan at the moment. More data than I could ever need, thank you."

The conversation ended abruptly when Mackenzie realised Jack couldn't speak freely, exclaiming: "I need to know."

However, Jack quickly ended the call due to another officer's prying eyes, reports the Express.

Ardal's return caused quite a stir on social media, with one fan exclaiming: "So great to see Jack Mooney back. Absolutely love him."

Another echoed this sentiment, enthusiastically declaring: "MY FAVE MY FAVE MY FAVEEEEEEE."

The return of a beloved Irish detective inspector has triggered enthusiastic responses from fans, with one exclaiming: "Yaaaaaaaaaay my fave irish DI is back," and another added: "Jack Mooney return finally."

One eager viewer couldn't hold back their excitement, saying: "Oommmmggg what? Please tell me this will be available on Britbox starting Friday."

Discussing Ardal O'Hanlon's comeback, Anna gave away a juicy detail hinting that the actor will be showing up more than just for a single episode, revealing: "We can expect Ardal to make more than one appearance than just in the first episode because he plays my boss back at the Metropolitan Police."

She disclosed that Ardal's character remains a significant figure Mackenzie turns to, as she ponders over her future at Dolphin Cove versus a life back in London. Adding more insight, Anna indicated that while the show aims to be refreshingly novel, it affectionately nods to its roots, stating: "So the show, without being a carbon copy of the original, has lots of tips of the hat to the original, not just with the characters but even certain shots are paying homage to the original, like on the beach with the suitcase and not [wearing] an appropriate outfit for the weather. That is certainly a wink and a nod to the original."

Despite the crossover, Anna pointed out: "I didn't get to meet Ardal because he shot his stuff in London and my stuff in Australia. I want to meet all of [the Death in Paradise cast]. I think it is something about playing the lead detective in a Paradise show, so I want to talk to them; I would love to meet them all."

Lastly, Lloyd looked back on previous times spent with Ardal fondly while reflecting on his role in the new series.

Lloyd fondly recalled his experiences, expressing: "I have gigged with Ardal separately as a comedian, and that was mind-blowing," while conveying his deep admiration for his fellow performer. He added with excitement, "I still get giddy when I watch the first episode, this is Ardal O'Hanlon."