Beyond Paradise star Sally Bretton, known for playing Martha Humphrey in the BBC crime drama, has a surprising secret about her name. The actress, born Sally Davis, adopted her stage name before rising to fame.
From Sally Davis to Sally Bretton
Sally Bretton, who first appeared in Death in Paradise in 2016, departed alongside Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) in 2017. The duo later starred in their own spin-off, Beyond Paradise, set in Devon. But how did she choose Bretton? In a 2015 interview with The Telegraph, she revealed the unusual story: while working at high street retailer Next, a friend brought in a book about name meanings. Flicking through in the staff room, she came across Bretton and thought, 'Yup, I quite like that. It's totally random, but I thought it sounded quite nice.'
The name change was necessary because Sally Davis was already registered with actors' union Equity, prompting her to select Bretton as her stage identity.
Beyond Paradise Season Finale
Tonight (May 1), the current series of Beyond Paradise concludes, with viewers discovering what lies ahead for Humphrey. In recent episodes, he was instructed to dismiss a team member as a cost-cutting measure, but it appears he has offered himself instead. Barbara Flynn, who plays Martha's mum Anne, discussed the possibility of another series, telling the Express: 'It's become a habitual thing. This will be the fifth year if we do go back. Never say never, but we are down in Cornwall in July for the fifth summer till almost December.'
She added: 'It's a long time, but it's delightful. It's such an intelligent, gentle programme with wonderful puzzles that are quite difficult and moving.'
Beyond Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
