The BBC has confirmed that the Beyond Paradise Christmas special will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27, ahead of its broadcast on BBC One during the festive season.
This year's guest cast includes Johnny Vegas, Paul Chowdhry, Martin Trenaman, Syreeta Kumar, and Sam Hunter. They will join regular cast members Kris Marshall, Sally Bretton, Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, Barbara Flynn, Felicity Montagu, and Jamie Bamber.
Festive case in Shipton Abbott
The episode follows the residents of Shipton Abbott as they deal with a puzzling festive case. A young girl's Christmas appears magical when she spots Santa Claus on the roof, but the Whitfield Estate residents soon discover a man dressed as Santa has fallen from the roof. A series of robberies also occurs, with video and eyewitness evidence pointing to the man.
The synopsis teases: "As Humphrey investigates the wildly different details of each burglary, all the evidence points to a Santa who is decidedly more naughty than nice. But when the man in red wakes up in hospital, can Humphrey get the answers he needs before Christmas arrives?"
Martha's mystery and other storylines
Martha receives unrecognised phone calls and senses she is being followed, leading her to confront a mysterious stranger. Discovering the culprit's identity and reason for coming to Shipton Abbott, Martha faces a difficult conversation.
Esther tests Archie by insisting that a couple's first Christmas together can make or break them, putting pressure on Archie to find the perfect present. Kelby is caught between two warring neighbours accusing each other of sabotage in their competition to have the most extravagant Christmas lights display.
Fans have expressed excitement following the announcement, with one writing on Instagram: "Yay looking forward to this," and another adding: "MY COMFORT SHOW IS BACKKK."
