The much-anticipated new Death in Paradise spinoff, Return to Paradise, has finally arrived, featuring the BBC franchise's first-ever female lead, Anna Samson. The 34 year old British-Australian actress will be portraying Australian ex-pat Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke, joining the ranks of fan favourites like Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O'Hanlon and Ralf Little who have all played Detective Inspectors in the series, reports OK!.
If you recognise her, it's because she's best known for her role as Mia Anderson in Home And Away. However, fame has also brought along its share of online trolling, particularly during her stint on the Australian soap.
Image:
Red Planet / BBC Studios / John Platt)Anna, 34, urged online bullies to "find something better to do with their time" than send her hateful comments, revealing that she had been criticised for her appearance and weight by these "dangerous" trolls. During her time in Summer Bay, she took a stand against cyberbullying with an honest and open letter to fans on Instagram.
In a candid post, she wrote about herself and fellow cast member Sam Barrett, who played her on-screen daughter: "What an exciting time for Sam Barrett and myself, as we join the cast of Home and Away, this iconic piece of Australian television. How disappointing that this can be spoilt with the culture of online bullying."
The actress hit back at online trolls, stating: "People still feel they have the right to shame, comment on and harass women about their appearance," and continued by highlighting the toxic culture: "This is not new. It's part of a culture of cowardice. Cruelly commenting on our weight loss or gain, our faces, our choices, our voices."
Image:
BBC/Red Planet/John Platt)She didn't hold back in her open letter adding: "I'd suggest to these social media bullies to find something better to do with their time. You are guilty of contribution to a very problematic and dangerous culture."
She concluded her powerful message: "Our bodies are not your business. Our bodies are not your battleground."
Her Home and Away colleagues were quick to show their support. Luke Arnold, known for his role as nurse Lewis Hayes, called out the gender bias, posting on Instagram: "I joined the show the same time as these talented women, but I am spared all this sh** because I'm a dude."
Emily Weir, who portrays Mackenzie Booth, also added her praise, commenting: "Absolutely yes."
Anna, who left the Australian soap in 2022 after a two-year stint, is set to take on a lead role in the new Death in Paradise spin-off, Return to Paradise, where she'll play a Detective Inspector working for London's Metropolitan Police before returning to her Australian roots to solve a murder.
Return to Paradise starts on Friday 22 November at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
English (US) ·