Midlands director at the heart of BBC drama's return

Season 12 of popular BBC crime drama 'Death in Paradise' returns to BBC 1 tonight (Friday, January 6) with a Clara man in the director's chair!

Declan Recks takes the helm of the first two episodes of the new series of the light-hearted murder mystery set in the sun soaked Caribbean, starring Ralf Little as the much loved and quirky Detective Inspector Neville Parker, ably assisted a top cast and guest stars.

The Offaly native has directed some top rated TV shows on Irish television in recent years, including the much loved Midlands drama 'Pure Mule', 'The Running Mate' and 'Scúp' on TG4/BBC, while his film credits include the award-winning 'Eden', 'The Flag' and his latest feature 'Tarrac' shot in Kerry premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh last year. It also featured in Birr's popular Offline Film Festival last October.

On Twitter today, Declan Recks said he was “very lucky to work with these two legends” on episode one of the new season alongside a photo of cast members Commissioner Selwyn Patterson played by Don Warrington, and Catherine Bordey, played by Elizabeth Bourgine.

He appealed to the public to tune into the first episode of season 12 of 'Death in Paradise' on BBC1 at 9pm tonight (Friday) where the team investigate the mysterious death of an astronomer after he falls from a cliff during a rare planetary event. Meanwhile, is romance blossoming for Neville?

The Clara man's other recent TV credits includes 'Nova Jones' for BBC Studios and 'Red Election' now available on the Disney+ streaming service.

The Recks family is well known around the Midlands and beyond for their involvement in drama and musicals.

Declan is the son of Rufina and the late Richard (Richie) Recks, Clara.

Season 12 of 'Death in Paradise' airs on BBC 1 tonight (Friday, January 6) at 9pm.