Death in Paradise fans convinced two show legends will make shock return in new spin-off series

DEATH in Paradise fans were thrilled after the BBC announced production has begun for a new spin-off series.

To add to the excitement, the long-running whodunit franchise will have its first female lead.

The last series saw leading actor Ralf Little's character DI Neville Parker leave town for a fresh start.

Josephine Jobert's character Florence Cassell also made a surprise return in the finale after coming out of witness protection.

Fans of the show were gutted after discovering the blossoming romance between the duo wasn't enough to keep Neville on the island.

Neville, Saint Marie's longest-serving detective decided to continue his plans to travel the world.

After a heartbreaking phone call to Florence, Neville said goodbye and got on a plane.

However, fans refuse this is going to be the end of the couple's story.

With the new spin-off Return to Paradise looming, many think that they will make a comeback.

"This cast looks strong. I'm looking forward to seeing familiar scenery in the Paraverse/DiPverse. Gorgeous dog. I'm sure Nev and Florence will be along to visit the dog if for no other reason," one wrote.

"I still say have Neville and Florence drop by on their world tour," said another.

The new series has begun filming in Sydney and the Illawarra coastal region, after last year's Kris Marshall-led spin off Beyond Paradise.

Anna Samson is set to take the lead as DI Mackenzie Clarke, the first woman to be a lead detective in the "Paraverse".

She is an Australian expat who made a name for herself in the UK for her work with the Metropolitan Police.

Things took a turn for her in London though after she was accused of tampering with evidence and she was forced to return to her hometown of Dolphin Cove, Australia.

Her return may be a bumpy one as the last time she was there, she left her ex-fiance Glenn (Tai Hara) at the altar.

But after getting stuck back into her work at Dolphin Cove Police Station, she becomes obsessed with a murder case.

A description from the BBC reads: “Once a case lands on her desk, she can’t rest until she’s figured it out, and the killer is in handcuffs.

"It’s that tenacity and work ethic that might just, over time, help Mackenzie win over her new colleagues, and the people of Dolphin Cove.”