BBC Death in Paradise fans issue plea as they spot Richard Poole crossover in spin-off

Death in Paradise fans believe the series' first female lead, Mackenzie Clarke (played by Anna Samson), is very similar to DI Richard Poole (Ben Miller) - the show's first-ever detective.

The new spin-off titled Return to Paradise aired its second episode tonight, and fans were quick to share their thoughts about it.

Ben Miller's character was killed off at the beginning of series three of Death in Paradise after he is murdered by an ice pick, and he's the only detective to ever leave the show that way.

However, eagle-eyed fans noticed a huge crossover between the two iconic detectives.

Fans took to a Facebook fan page to share their thoughts about Mackenzie and Richard, with one commenting: "I liked it! The lead character seems to be like a female Richard Poole or Neville Parker. I hope we see more of Jack in the future."

Another agreed: "Yes, you're right, very Richard Poolish." (sic)

Someone else added: "Just when I thought DI Richard Poole was not a people-friendly person, up pops DI Mackenzie Clarke."

Referring to Mackenzie dragging her luggage along the beach, a scene very similar to when Richard Poole did the same thing in Death in Paradise, one fan stated: "The DIP DNA is there, a lead character with baggage, quirky supports, cute animal."

The actress who plays Mackenzie previously opened up about Return to Paradise and the similarities of her character to detective Richard Poole.

She shared: "So the show, without being a carbon copy of the original, has lots of tips of the hat to the original, not just with the characters but even certain shots are paying homage to the original, like on the beach with the suitcase and not [wearing] an appropriate outfit for the weather. That is certainly a wink and a nod to the