Tensions are headed to Dolphin Cove as DI Mackenzie Clarke finds herself involved in a love triangle alongside her ex-fiancé Glenn in the second season of Return to Paradise.
Actor Tai Hara has revealed DI Mackenzie Clarke and his on-screen alter ego Glenn Strong are set for a tense love triangle in Return to Paradise‘s second season.
Lloyd Griffith returns to Dolphin Cove as Colin alongside Mackenzie’s Anna Samson, and he’s convinced his character’s relationship with Mackenzie has more benefits than he may imagine.
“Colin is becoming a better police officer because of his relationship with Mackenzie,” Lloyd says, “And Mackenzie is becoming a better human because of Colin. It’s a relationship that works both ways. They slowly realise that they are friends by the end of it,” Lloyd says.
Season two’s opening episode, where a shark researcher is found dead at sea, surprised Lloyd. “It could seem far-fetched but when we were going to the beach, even before filming, there would be signs saying the shark nets had been removed,” remembers Lloyd.
“It’s a genuine thing where there are sharks and you do have to be careful.” Sydney native Tai Hara adds: “There are attacks as well. It’s a very real part of our lives.”
Tai Hara reprises the role of Glenn Strong, navigating the rocky dynamics of the pathologist’s love triangle with Mackenzie and his fiancée Daisy.
“There’s a lot in store for their relationship,” he teases, “He’s navigating the love triangle he has with Daisy. A lot of work goes into making that a fully-fledged arc in the series.”
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Last season, Mackenzie left London amid professional setbacks, landing in the fictional Australian town she once fled under a cloud of suspicion.
Season one saw her embroiled in multiple murder cases and a tense reunion with ex-fiancé Glenn Strong. Glenn has moved on with Daisy Dixon (Andrea Demetriades) but made his feelings for Mackenzie clear – complicating her plans to escape.
The new season opens with Mackenzie choosing to stay in Dolphin Cove, much to fellow detective Colin Cartwright’s (Lloyd Griffith) exasperation.
For Lloyd, however, Colin’s reunion with his friends from home posed a real challenge. “Colin’s friends come from Lincolnshire and you find out a little bit more about Colin. You see a different side to him,” Lloyd says.
The change required adjustment. “Colin is very happy-go-lucky, he loves the community that has welcomed him with open arms. In that episode, you see why Colin has come to Australia. I found that most challenging but also rewarding and loved it.”
Overall, the pair were thrilled to Return to Paradise and Tai was thrilled to share the spotlight with his good friend Anna Samson. “We have a really wonderful friendship outside of the show, it was the first time we’d ever worked together,” Tai says. “It always feels easy. That’s one of the benefits of working with someone who you consider a really dear friend.”
Anna reveals that Mackenzie will also have time to explore dating apps this season. “One episode is about online dating, the comedy and tyranny they come with,” she says, “That’s another glimpse into Mackenzie. For the first time, I’m in an entirely different costume for one whole episode.”
Return to Paradise comes back to BBC One on Friday, October 31st at 8pm.
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