Are you ready to return to Shipton Abbott for the thrilling new series of the hugely successful crime drama Beyond Paradise? Packed with mystery, humour, and heart, DI Humphrey Goodman and the team tackle more mind-boggling puzzles, all set against the breathtaking landscapes of Devon and Cornwall. The highly anticipated third series will arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Friday, 28 March 2025.
In the first case, when a body is found in the river on the county border, Humphrey (Kris Marshall) and Esther (Zahra Ahmadi) are thrown in the deep end, having to work alongside their Cornish counterparts. In the next case, things take a darker turn when Kelby’s (Dylan Llewellyn) friend receives threatening messages from an unknown source. With further mysteries, including a puzzling chocolate box poisoning, a historic farming feud, a spiking at sea, and a devilish kidnapping, there’s plenty to keep the Shipton Abbott detectives on their toes.
Away from the police station, Humphrey and Martha (Sally Bretton) continue their fostering journey, but the arrival of 9-year-old Rosie brings more challenges than they anticipated. Elsewhere, an unexpected change in Esther’s personal life takes her outside her comfort zone. But is she ready for something new, and can she deal with it being public knowledge?
At the same time, as Zoe continues to thrive in her role at the Ten Mile Kitchen, she makes a bold decision, but how will she tell Esther, and what will her reaction be? Meanwhile, Anne (Barbara Flynn) faces a health scare, which brings back traumatic memories. Not wanting to burden Martha, she keeps it to herself until an unlikely friendship blossoms.
As for Kelby, after discovering the Chief Superintendent has a new boyfriend, it’s time to move on and enter the world of online dating with the help of Margo’s (Felicity Montagu) expertise.
Beyond Paradise. Rosie (BELLA REI BLUE STEVENSON), Humphrey Goodman (KRIS MARSHALL). Red Planet Pictures / BBC. Credit Joss Barratt
Q: Where do we find Humphrey at the start of this series?
Humphrey is in a very good place. He’s well-settled in Shipton Abbott, both in his job and personal life. He’s proud of his team and feels confident in his role. His relationship with Martha is great, and the pair have fewer dramas than in the past. While there have been struggles in earlier series, this series shows a more comfortable, positive Humphrey who is thriving both professionally and personally.
Q: How are Humphrey and Martha adapting to foster parenting?
By this point, Humphrey and Martha have had a few foster placements and are feeling more confident in their experience. However, each child is different, and Rosie brings her own set of challenges which they hadn’t anticipated. As an emergency placement, Rosie is initially intended to be temporary, but they begin to form a deep bond with her, which complicates things.
Q: Can you tell us about some of the cases Humphrey and the team face this series? Did you have a favourite?
One of the standout cases is a kidnapping involving someone close to the police team, which unfolds later in the series (episode 6). The crime is particularly intricate and cleverly written, and I was genuinely impressed by the complexity of it. I won’t give away any spoilers, but it’s a fascinating case to solve, and I’m intrigued to see if anyone can figure it out. I think people will be surprised; it’s a real highlight of the series.
Q: Martha finds herself involved in one of Humphrey’s cases. How does he deal with it?
Humphrey doesn’t take it well. In a small town, it’s inevitable that people close to him will get caught up in cases. While he doesn’t believe she’s involved, he’s still obligated to investigate every angle which puts a strain on their relationship. It’s a tough situation for both of them – Martha is very busy, and Humphrey struggles with the emotional toll it takes to see someone he loves potentially involved in something criminal. It adds extra complications to an already challenging investigation.
Q: Archie returns this season. How does this affect Humphrey?
Humphrey doesn’t feel threatened by Archie’s return. He’s always been a confident and emotionally strong person, and he’s very secure in his relationship with Martha. In past series, his issues stemmed from Archie working so closely with Martha but this time, Humphrey isn’t concerned. He’s more bemused than anything else. He isn’t losing sleep over it and is accepting of the situation.
Q: What’s it like working with Jamie Bamber?
Working with Jamie is fantastic. It’s nice to have another actor of a similar age and experience on set, especially since we have both been in the industry since the 90s. While we didn’t know each other well back then, we have a lot of mutual friends, and it’s great to have someone around who shares that history. Jamie is a seasoned actor and a lovely person who brings a lot of fun to the set. We get along really well, and it’s always a pleasure working with him.
Q: What are your favourite locations to film in Devon and Cornwall?
I absolutely love filming by the coast. I’m a big fan of getting my “vitamin sea” – whether it’s surfing or swimming, being by the water makes me happy. One of my favourite filming locations is Rame Head in Cornwall. It offers stunning views and has a fascinating abandoned military site, complete with old tanks and artillery steps. It’s a great spot for filming, and after work, you can head down to a secret cove for a swim. Another favourite is Mothecombe Beach, which is a secluded spot only accessible on foot. We sometimes film there at night, and the little bathing house on the rocks makes for a perfect green room. It’s a cosy spot with a wood burner and is the perfect place to relax between takes. If we could do an episode that involves surfing, I’d love to head to the North Coast of Cornwall, where the surf is more consistent.
Q: What can audiences look forward to in this series?
This series offers the same great mix of intriguing crimes and compelling drama that viewers expect. What makes Beyond Paradise unique is its ability to be dramatic without being melodramatic. It’s a light-hearted crime drama that tackles serious, relatable issues without getting overly heavy. Each episode is packed with content – there’s a real sense of magic in how much is crammed into just one hour. It’s thought-provoking and heartwarming without feeling overly sentimental. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and I think that’s one of the show’s greatest strengths. It’s fun, it’s touching, and it offers something for everyone. There’s plenty to look forward to in this series and beyond.
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