Inside Death in Paradise star Anna Samson’s gorgeous Australian home after she’s revealed as show’s first female lead

ANNA Samson is about to become a household name in the UK thanks to her new role in Death In Paradise spin-off, Return To Paradise.

The actress, who may be recognisable to some as Mia Anderson in Home And Away, has been cast as the franchise’s first-ever female lead detective.

In Return To Paradise, which will launch in Australia later this year, Anna will play Mackenzie Clark, who’s become famed for solving uncrackable murder cases. 

However, she finds her life as part of London’s police force turned upside down when she’s forced to return to her hometown of Dolphin Cove, Australia. 

Having not been in the town for six years, Mackenzie has some awkward ghosts from her past to face - not least of which the fiancé she had ditched at the altar. 

With little option but to accept a job on the police force there, she will be balancing her personal and professional life as she solves the numerous murders that cross her desk. 

The spin-off, which follows after Kris Marshall’s DI Humphrey Goodman returning to the UK after his time in the Caribbean for a life in Devon in Beyond Paradise, has been promised to have a ‘distinct Australian flair’.

But although Mackenzie will be having a hard time, actress Anna has carved herself her own piece of paradise in New South Wales, having lived in Australia for decades. 

In photos posted on Instagram, the book-loving star has created an enviable library in her home, with huge bookcases overflowing with novels and stories. 

Her tables are also seen filled with books and plays as well. 

Over her career, Anna's taken on a string of hard-hitting roles - including playing the lead in Consent with the Outhouse Theatre Company at Sydney’s Seymour Centre, tracking the trial of a sexual misconduct case and the way the justice system handles it.

But once her time on the stage or screen is over, Anna clearly likes to spend some time in nature, sharing trips to the coastline with friends.

The UK-born actress has created a warm and loving home that makes full use of Australia’s sunny climate, often sharing pictures of flowers in her brightly lit house.

The star has ditched also her natural blonde hair for red locks for the role, something she celebrated when the show was finally announced.

"Been absolutely dying to tell everyone where I’ve disappeared to and why my hair is this colour," she joked.

"Thanks for all the love. Paradise here we come."

The Death In Paradise spin-off is currently being filmed and will air at a later date on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.