Fans of the popular British-French crime drama series, Death in Paradise, have something to look forward to this Christmas – thanks to a Sandbach resident.

Ruth Carney, who lives in Sandbach Heath, is the director of the hit British-French crime drama series and is currently filming a Christmas special.

The talented former Talke Pits girl, who has directed a host of productions from Casualty to Father Brown and Emmerdale, is currently filming in the Caribbean.

Death in Paradise director, Ruth Carney.

Ruth says she is honoured to be invited back to film the drama on the sun-drenched island of Guadeloupe.

She said: "I've been here since April and it's the second week of filming which is going brilliantly.

"It's a little odd to have Christmas trees in 36 degrees heat but it's a wonderful experience and it's such a brilliant cast and script."

The BBC tweeted today: "Filming has started on a feature-length Death in Paradise Christmas special, and we hear it's loaded with mystery, intrigue and surprise..."

The beautiful Caribbean island of Guadeloupe where the drama is filmed.

Ruth has a wealth of experience and talent in the industry. She did an MA in Theatre Directing in Russia and Middlesex after her degree at the University of Sheffield

She has a soft spot for the British-French crime drama series, Death in Paradise.

Ruth said: "It's such a great drama and one the whole family can watch.

"It's very funny and shows the island which is such a beautiful unspoilt place."