Return to Paradise: DI Colin Cartwright’s Past Explored in Series 2
Discover DI Colin Cartwright’s backstory in Return to Paradise Series 2. Explore why he left the UK and the secrets behind his move to Australia. Read now!
Fans of Return to Paradise have reason to get even more invested in DI Colin Cartwright this season. Played by Lloyd Griffith, Colin is stepping into the spotlight as viewers finally get a glimpse into his past, including the personal reasons that led him to leave the UK and move to Dolphin Cove, Australia.
As a spin-off from the beloved Death in Paradise, the show has carved its own identity with cosy crime, stunning locations, and compelling character arcs. While Anna Samson’s DI Mackenzie Clarke continues to tackle mysteries, Colin’s backstory adds depth to the ensemble, making the partnership between the two officers feel even more authentic.
Social media has been buzzing with speculation about Colin’s past, with fans discussing everything from his family ties in Lincolnshire to his motivations for relocating. X posts reveal fans are eager to see more personal moments unfold:
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“Can’t wait to see Colin’s story 😍 #ReturnToParadise #DIColinCartwright”
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“Lloyd Griffith is killing it this season. Loving the backstory drops!”
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“Dolphin Cove just got even more interesting with Colin’s history revealed.”
Type YES if you’re excited to learn more about Colin!
Behind the Scenes: DI Colin Cartwright’s Backstory
In Series 2, viewers will explore why Colin left the UK, with Lloyd Griffith sharing insights in an interview with the Express:
“You get to see a bit of Colin's backstory in this series, including why he moved to Australia and why he left the UK, with those two questions being closely linked. There’s insight into his life back in Lincolnshire, and the family and friends he left behind.”
This adds a layer of emotional depth to Colin’s character. Previously, he was known as a supportive and approachable colleague who makes everyone feel welcome in Dolphin Cove. Now, fans see the personal sacrifices behind his move, creating a richer narrative.
Key aspects highlighted in the series include:
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Lincolnshire Roots – Colin’s past in England provides context for his personality, loyalty, and approach to policing.
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Family and Friends – Flashbacks hint at relationships and connections left behind, explaining some of his motivations and emotional ties.
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Professional Growth – Moving to Australia allowed Colin to refine his skills, learning from DI Mackenzie while tackling unique coastal cases.
By revealing these details, the show strengthens audience investment and encourages fans to discuss character development online.
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Colin and Mackenzie: A Dynamic Partnership
Series 2 also explores the evolving friendship and partnership between Colin and Mackenzie Clarke. Following the events of Series 1, Mackenzie considered returning to London, but her plans changed, much to Colin’s relief.
Lloyd Griffith shared:
“He’s genuinely happy when she returns, but not just because she’s his colleague, but because he’s got his friend back. Colin’s someone who tries to make everyone feel welcome, and I think he really wants to help Mackenzie feel part of Dolphin Cove again.”
This dynamic plays out both on-screen and in social media discussions:
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Fans love the camaraderie and mentorship vibe.
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The friendship provides emotional grounding amidst the crime-focused plots.
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Audience engagement spikes during episodes where personal backstories and team interactions are highlighted.
Comment below: Who’s your favourite pairing in the show? Colin & Mackenzie or another duo?
Filming Locations: Bringing Dolphin Cove to Life
While character development drives emotional engagement, the stunning filming locations make the show visually captivating. Series 2 is filmed across Sydney and the Illawarra coastal region, including Bilgola and Avalon, creating a realistic version of the fictional Dolphin Cove.
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Bilgola – Mackenzie’s home scenes, surrounded by greenery and ocean views.
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Avalon Surf Club – Public spaces and surf scenes are captured here, grounding the show in coastal authenticity.
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Illawarra Escarpment & Ocean Pools – Dramatic cliffside shots enhance tension and cinematic appeal.
The Australian locations not only look spectacular on-screen but allow for dynamic storytelling with coastal mysteries, outdoor investigations, and character-driven sequences that feel genuine.
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Intriguing Cases in Series 2
Alongside Colin’s backstory, Return to Paradise keeps fans hooked with a mix of classic and inventive mysteries:
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Chemical Poisoning at Sea – A lone man is found poisoned while sailing, echoing the show’s signature coastal crime aesthetic.
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Rowdy Rock Band Investigation – A musical twist involves suspects in a band where one member dies under suspicious circumstances.
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Personal Drama Integration – Mackenzie deals with her ex-fiancé Glenn’s lingering feelings while managing professional challenges.
These plots provide opportunities for social media engagement, with fans debating suspects, motives, and potential plot twists. Trending hashtags include #ReturnToParadise, #DIColinCartwright, and #DolphinCoveMystery.
Type YES if you’ve guessed who’s guilty in the latest case!
Fan Reactions and Online Buzz
Social media is alive with excitement for Colin’s backstory and the show’s new mysteries:
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“Finally getting Colin’s history is everything! Lloyd Griffith is brilliant 😍”
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“Dolphin Cove just got deeper with Series 2. Loving these character moments.”
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“The band episode was wild, can’t wait to see how Mackenzie handles it!”
Fan interaction drives engagement, with posts often including screenshots, episode breakdowns, and fan theories. Instagram and X threads show strong participation from the show’s community, making these discussions a key part of the show’s marketing strategy.
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Behind the Camera: Production Insights
Creating a series like Return to Paradise requires careful planning to merge character development, story arcs, and location filming:
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Character-Centric Storytelling – Colin’s backstory required flashbacks and integration with present-day scenes to feel natural.
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Logistics of Coastal Filming – Shooting at cliffs, beaches, and ocean pools required specialised camera rigs and safety measures.
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Casting and Chemistry – Anna Samson and Lloyd Griffith’s rapport drives much of the emotional core of the show.
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Local Engagement – Production involved local crew and extras to enhance authenticity.
These behind-the-scenes decisions contribute to the show’s polished but grounded feel, keeping fans engaged and invested.
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FAQs About DI Colin Cartwright and Series 2
Conclusion
Series 2 of Return to Paradise balances coastal mysteries, thrilling cases, and character-driven storytelling. DI Colin Cartwright’s backstory adds emotional weight and depth, while the Australian filming locations bring Dolphin Cove to life. Fans are engaging more than ever, sharing theories, favourite moments, and fan art across X and Instagram.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Death in Paradise universe or a newcomer, this season offers a perfect mix of personal drama, thrilling investigations, and breathtaking scenery.
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