Tony Jordan Steps Back: Red Planet’s New Chapter Without Its Founder

 

Introduction

Tony Jordan, the guy behind some of Britain’s best TV dramas, just stepped down as executive chairman of Red Planet Pictures, the production company he started almost 20 years ago. This is big news for fans of Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, and other Red Planet hits. Jordan’s not disappearing completely—he’s shifting to focus on writing “passion projects” that’ll still be developed with Red Planet. But his formal exit marks the end of an era for the company, which has shaped British TV with sun-soaked mysteries and gripping dramas. Why does this matter? Jordan’s creative stamp is all over Red Planet’s success, and his departure raises questions about where the company’s headed next. Think of it like a lead actor leaving a hit show—can the series keep its magic? Let’s dig into what happened, why, and what it means for Red Planet and its shows.

Why Did Tony Jordan Step Back from Red Planet?

Jordan’s exit wasn’t a sudden move—he’s been hands-off with Red Planet’s daily operations for years. The August 1, 2025, announcement from Deadline confirmed he’s now formally resigned as a director, focusing instead on writing. Here’s why this shift happened:

• Long-Term Transition: Jordan hasn’t run day-to-day operations for a while. Co-CEOs Alex Jones and Belinda Campbell have been steering the ship, handling everything from Death in Paradise’s global deals to new projects like Beyond Paradise. His role as executive chairman was more symbolic lately.
• Creative Focus: At 68, Jordan wants to write again—stuff he’s passionate about. He’s known for Life on Mars, Hustle, and creating EastEnders’ iconic Slater family. His new projects will stay with Red Planet, so he’s not cutting ties completely.
• Industry Timing: Red Planet’s nearing its 20th anniversary, and Jordan’s exit feels like a natural pivot. The company’s part of Fremantle’s empire now, after Asacha Media Group’s 2021 acquisition, giving it stability to move forward without him.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Sudden leadership changes can shake a company, but Red Planet’s gradual transition helps. A common mistake is leaving without a clear succession plan—here, Jones and Campbell are already proven leaders.

If Jordan hadn’t stepped back thoughtfully, Red Planet could’ve faced uncertainty, especially with big projects like Death in Paradise’s 14th series airing in 2025.

What’s Tony Jordan’s Legacy at Red Planet Pictures?

Jordan founded Red Planet in 2006, turning it into a powerhouse for high-end drama. His legacy is massive—here’s how he shaped the company:

• Creating Hits: Death in Paradise is Red Planet’s crown jewel, sold to 236 territories and running for 14 series. It’s one of the BBC’s longest-running dramas, with 7.8 million viewers for its 2021 Christmas special. Jordan’s knack for blending crime, humor, and Caribbean vibes made it a global hit.
• Spinoffs and Expansion: Jordan co-created Beyond Paradise, bringing Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman to Devon. The spinoff drew 8.7 million viewers for its first episode in 2023. He also helped launch Return to Paradise.
• Talent Nurturing: Through the Red Planet Prize, Jordan discovered writers like Devin Doyle, whose 2018 win led to ITV’s Devoted Wife and Mother. This focus on new voices kept Red Planet fresh.
• Consequences of Errors: Without Jordan’s vision, Red Planet might’ve stuck to safe, formulaic dramas. His risk-taking—think Life on Mars’ time-travel twist—set the company apart. Losing that edge could’ve made it just another indie producer.

Jordan’s departure doesn’t erase his influence, but Red Planet must maintain his creative spark to stay relevant.

How Will Red Planet Pictures Move Forward?

With Jordan out, Red Planet’s future rests on Alex Jones, Belinda Campbell, and their team. Here’s what’s next for the company:

• Ongoing Projects: Death in Paradise is renewed through 2026, with series 14 wrapping in March 2025. Beyond Paradise is set for a second series and a Christmas special. These keep Red Planet’s pipeline strong.
• New Ventures: Red Planet’s adapting Chris Chibnall’s Death at the White Hart for ITV and working on Louise Candlish’s novels, like The Only Suspect. These show they’re not resting on Death in Paradise’s laurels.
• Global Reach: As part of Fremantle, Red Planet can tap into a bigger network. They’ve already sold Death in Paradise to 236 territories and are eyeing more international co-productions.
• Potential Pitfalls: A common mistake post-founder is losing brand identity. Red Planet must balance Jordan’s creative legacy with new ideas. If they lean too hard on safe bets, they risk fading in a crowded market.

Without a clear strategy, Red Planet could struggle to replicate Jordan’s magic, but their track record suggests they’re ready to adapt.

What Are Tony Jordan’s Next Steps?

Jordan’s not retiring—he’s diving back into writing. Here’s what we know about his plans:

• Passion Projects: He’ll develop new scripts exclusively with Red Planet, though details are scarce. Given his history, expect bold, character-driven dramas.
• Past Successes: Jordan’s written over 250 EastEnders episodes, created Hustle, and co-created Life on Mars. His next work will likely carry that same mix of grit and heart.
• Industry Impact: He’s still a respected figure, honored with a 2007 British Soap Awards Special Achievement award. His projects could influence Red Planet’s direction even as an outsider.
• Risks: Writers shifting from producing to creating sometimes struggle with modern audience tastes. If Jordan’s projects feel dated, they might not land as well as Death in Paradise.

If Jordan nails his new scripts, he could cement his legacy further, but he’ll need to stay sharp in a fast-changing TV landscape.

How Does This Impact Death in Paradise Fans?

Fans of Death in Paradise and its spinoffs are probably wondering if Jordan’s exit will change their favorite shows. Here’s the deal:

• Show Stability: Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise are locked in for new seasons, with established teams running them. Jordan’s creative input was already minimal, so don’t expect big shifts.
• Creative Continuity: Red Planet’s co-CEOs, Jones and Campbell, have worked with Jordan for years. They know how to keep the Death in Paradise formula—weekly murders, sunny vibes—intact.
• Viewer Concerns: Fans might worry about quality dips, a common issue when founders leave. Look at Grey’s Anatomy after Shonda Rhimes stepped back—still successful, but divisive. Red Planet needs to avoid that trap.
• What If It Fails?: If Red Planet stumbles without Jordan’s oversight, Death in Paradise could lose its charm, alienating its global audience. But with Fremantle’s backing, that’s unlikely short-term.

Fans can breathe easy for now, but keep an eye on how Red Planet evolves without Jordan’s direct influence.

FAQs

Why did Tony Jordan leave Red Planet Pictures?
He stepped down as executive chairman to focus on writing passion projects, which he’ll develop with Red Planet. He hadn’t been involved in daily operations for years, so it’s a natural shift. The move was announced on August 1, 2025, as Red Planet nears its 20th anniversary.

Will Death in Paradise change without Tony Jordan?
Probably not much. Jordan’s creative role was already limited, and co-CEOs Alex Jones and Belinda Campbell are keeping the show’s formula intact. Series 14 wrapped in March 2025, and it’s renewed through 2026. Fans should expect the same sunny murders.

What are Tony Jordan’s most famous works?
Jordan created Hustle, co-created Life on Mars, and wrote over 250 EastEnders episodes. He’s behind Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, and his Slater family on EastEnders is iconic. He won a Special Achievement award in 2007.

Who’s running Red Planet Pictures now?
Co-CEOs Alex Jones and Belinda Campbell are in charge. They’ve been leading for years, overseeing hits like Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise. Jones is also Vice-Chair at Pact, showing industry clout. Red Planet’s part of Fremantle, so they’re well-supported.

What’s next for Red Planet Pictures?
They’re working on Death in Paradise’s 15th series, Beyond Paradise’s second season, and new projects like Chris Chibnall’s Death at the White Hart for ITV. They’re also adapting Louise Candlish’s novels, aiming to stay a major drama player.

Conclusion

Tony Jordan stepping back from Red Planet Pictures is a big moment, but it’s not a crisis. The guy who gave us Death in Paradise and Life on Mars is focusing on writing again, leaving his company in the hands of Alex Jones and Belinda Campbell. Red Planet’s got a solid future with Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise locked in, plus new dramas on the way. For fans, the shows should feel the same—for now. Jordan’s legacy is huge, and his next projects could still shape Red Planet’s path. What do you think about his exit? Will Red Planet keep its edge? Share your thoughts below