The BBC drama Beyond Paradise will return with a Christmas special that becomes available to stream on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27, before its broadcast on BBC One during the festive period.
The series, a spin-off of Death in Paradise, follows DI Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall, who leaves the Caribbean island of Saint Marie to settle in England with his fiancée Martha Lloyd, portrayed by Sally Bretton. The couple move to Martha's fictional hometown of Shipton Abbott, a coastal community near Devon.
Guest Cast Announced for Festive Episode
The guest cast for the Christmas episode has been confirmed, featuring Johnny Vegas, Paul Chowdhry, Martin Trenaman, Syreeta Kumar, and Sam Hunter. They will appear alongside returning regulars Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton, as well as Zahra Ahmadi (DS Esther Williams), Dylan Llewellyn (PC Kelby Hartford), Barbara Flynn (Anne Lloyd), Felicity Montagu (Margo Martins), and Jamie Bamber (Archie Hughes).
The episode sees the community untangle both their Christmas decorations and a seasonal mystery. A young girl's Christmas becomes magical when she spots Father Christmas on the rooftop, but the Whitfield Estate residents soon find a man dressed as Santa has fallen from the roof. A series of burglaries have also occurred, with footage and witness testimony pointing to the same individual.
Plot Details and Fan Reactions
As Humphrey investigates the differing details of each burglary, the evidence points to a Santa who is more naughty than nice. When the man in red wakes up in hospital, Humphrey seeks answers before Christmas arrives. Meanwhile, Martha confronts a mysterious stranger after receiving unrecognised phone calls and sensing she is being followed, leading to a difficult conversation about the culprit's identity and reason for coming to Shipton Abbott.
Elsewhere, Esther puts Archie to the test, insisting a couple's first Christmas together can make or break them, leaving Archie under pressure to impress. Kelby finds himself caught between two warring neighbours, each accusing the other of sabotage in a fierce competition for the most extravagant Christmas lights display.
Fans have shared their excitement following the announcement, with comments on Instagram including "Yay looking forward to this," "MY COMFORT SHOW IS BACKKK," "SO EXCITED!!," "Lovely series, especially with Kris Marshall," and "Oh goodness can't wait!" The Christmas special streams on BBC iPlayer from Friday, November 27.
