Beyond Paradise Christmas Special full cast as guests include comedian and Friday Night Dinner star
The BBC is treating viewers to a special episode of Beyond Paradise this Christmas. The hour-long special will see DI Humphrey Goodman and the team investigating a haunting
BBC One’s Beyond Paradise is set to return with a one-hour Christmas special on December 27. The plot summary reveals: “When a widower starts seeing the ghost of his late wife, DI Humphrey Goodman and the team are called in to investigate.
“DS Esther Williams is deeply sceptical, but Humphrey is more than happy to dive into his first haunting. It’s Christmas after all and who doesn’t like a festive ghost story?” Kris Marshall reprises his role as DI Humphrey Goodman, joined by Sally Bretton as Martha, and they have welcomed a new foster child into their home.
Speaking about their time with teenager Jaiden, Sally said: “Jaiden is a bit of a challenge at first. Like any typical teenager, he’s glued to his phone and headphones, and it takes him a while to warm up to Martha. She really tries to make a connection with him but it’s not easy.
“As the episode unfolds, we learn that Jaiden is struggling with being separated from his little brother. It’s a big learning experience for Martha and Humphrey, who have only cared for younger children before. Handling a teenager presents new challenges, but Martha is determined to make it a special Christmas for Jaiden, nonetheless.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the cast:
Beyond Paradise returns on December 27 (
BBC)
Humphrey Goodman – Kris Marshall
Kris Marshall, the 51 year old British actor recognised for his portrayals of Nick Harper in My Family and the lovestruck Colin Frissell in Love Actually, is a family man married to Hannah Dodkin. The couple have two children.
Discussing his Christmas plans for this year, Marshall revealed: “We’re doing a wider family Christmas when the kids break up from school, and then we’ll be going on a getaway after.”
Martha Lloyd – Sally Bretton
At the age of 44, Sally Brettonalso known under the name Sally Davisis acclaimed for her role as Lucy Adams in the hit sitcom Not Going Out.
She shares her life with photographer husband Lee, and together they are raising three daughters, including a set of twins.
Esther Williams – Zahra Ahmadi
Zahra Ahmadi, aged 42, is celebrated in Britain for originating the role of Shabnam Masood in the soap opera EastEnders.
Ahmadi’s diverse acting repertoire also spans TV shows Innocent, Berlin Station and comedy Count Arthur Strong.
Kelby Hartford – Dylan Llewellyn
Aged 32, Dylan Llewellyn is an English actor recognised for appearing in TV series such as Hollyoaks, acclaimed comedy Derry Girls and the show Big Boys.
As for his festive arrangements, Llewellyn shared: “I’m hoping to spend Christmas on the Isle of Wight with my family. My parents have a cottage there, so I’m looking forward to cosy board games and great food.”
Margo Martins – Felicity Montagu
Felicity Montagu, now 64, has endeared herself to audiences as Lynn Benfield, the perennially patient assistant of comedic character Alan Partridge.
Previously wedded to Alan Nixon, Montagu is the proud mother to two offspring, Olivia and Luke.
Felicity and Olivia joined forces back in 2016 for the BBC Radio 4 series Guilt Trip, where they portrayed a fictional mother-daughter duo.
Humphrey Goodman (KRIS MARSHALL) and Martha Lloyd (SALLY BRETTON) (
BBC)
Anne Lloyd – Barbara Flynn
Barbara Flynn, a 76 year old English actress famed for her role as Freda Ashton in the ITV drama series A Family at War, plays Anne Lloyd. She was married to Jeremy George Taylor and is a mother of one.
Zoe – Melina Sinadinou
Melina Sinadinou, a graduate of The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, plays Zoe. Her first significant role was in Beyond Paradise, and she has since starred in Early Twenties and Red Planet Blue.
Charlie Woods – Jade Harrison
Jade Harrison, born Isabella Jade Ndagire Fane, portrays Charlie Woods. As a British actor with Ugandan and English roots, her grandmother was a Princess in Uganda, and her grandfather was a successful businessman.
She has previously starred in Insomnia, The Midwich Cuckoos, and Foundation.
Hannah Owen – Amalia Vitale
Amalia Vitale, a theatre and TV actress who has appeared in Much Ado About Nothing and Channel 4’s Big Mood, plays Hannah Owen.
Jaiden (AUSTIN TAYLOR) (
BBC)
Bob Holland – Mark Heap
Mark Heap, a 67 year old actor and comedian known for his roles in Brass Eye, Green Wing, and Friday Night Dinner, plays Bob Holland. He is married to Bridget Thornborrow and has a famous brother, Carl, who was the artistic director of theatre company Medieval Players.
Colin – Seann Walsh
Seann Walsh, an English stand-up comedian and actor, plays Colin. He has been in a relationship with dance teacher Grace Adderley since 2019, and they welcomed their first child in 2023.
The remaining cast members include:
Fion – Tamla Kari
Rev Kate – Chizzy Akudolu
Jaiden – Austin Taylor
Marcus – Simon Nagra
Linda Holland – Rosalind Adler
Ben- Sami Amber
