Death in Paradise star pays tribute to 'brilliant' replacement as he returns to spin-off

A Return to Paradise star has opened up about their exit from series two and their character being replaced as the new series of the Death in Paradise spin-off returned. Fans have been sharing their verdicts on series three, with viewers praising the Death in Paradise spin-off as "brilliant" and "easy watching" – although not everyone was won over. The new series sees Anna Samson return as DI Mackenzie Clarke alongside her colleague Colin Cartwright, played by Lloyd Griffith. Mack is also adjusting to the departure of her former partner Glenn and the arrival of his successor, a new pathologist named Leo.

Taj Hara, who plays Glenn, said about his exit from series two and what fans can expect from series three: "At the end of the second series, we see the heartache and anguish he's experienced through two failed weddings, and he's concluded he's probably the root cause of it all. Series three, Glenn's been off finding himself, reflecting and taking some time away where no one's been able to contact him. He thinks he's quite certain of what he wants in his life – that's Mack."

Discussing working with Jacob, who plays new pathologist Leo and his replacement, Taj added: "It was brilliant – such a new dynamic. Having this complete fresh take, it really just energised and gave a whole new feeling to the series. Jacob's a brilliant actor and he fit into our dynamic so well.

"For me, it was a great experience to be able to delve into a completely different side of Glenn that no one's really seen before. More hardened, a little bit jealous, but very conflicted. That really grows and bubbles over throughout the rest of the series."

Viewers were quick to share their reactions about the series on social media. One wrote: "Watched first episode and enjoyed. Just easy watching and escapism for an hour." Another had already raced through the series, posting: "I binge-watched it, and I've got to say that ending to the series? If there's not another series, we will riot." A third added: "Brilliant; could not stop watching it. Great ending; pity only 6 episodes, only downside."

Someone else commented: "Watched first 2 series and have watched episode 1 and 2 of series 3. Really enjoying the series."

Another fan singled out a later episode, writing: "5 was jaw-droppingly good."

However, the response was not entirely positive. One viewer said: "Sorry, I watched the previous series hoping it would improve. Unfortunately, no improvement."

Another compared the show unfavourably with fellow Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise, writing: "It's trying to be like our Beyond Paradise. It's far from it."

All episodes of Return to Paradise series three are available on BBC iPlayer.

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