Beyond Paradise confirms return of ‘hated’ character in major series announcement
Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise will see the return of one character in the upcoming series
The highly anticipated return of Beyond Paradise is just around the corner, with the series set to premiere on March 28. As fans eagerly await the next instalment of the Dᴇᴀᴛʜ in Paradise spin-off, a sneak peek has confirmed the comeback of a familiar face.
Martha Lloyd, played by Sally Bretton, and Humphrey Goodman, portrayed by Kris Marshall, will face new challenges, particularly with the reappearance of Martha’s former love interest, Archie, played by Jamie Bamber.
Archie’s last appearance ended abruptly after Martha rebuffed his advances, leading to his swift departure from Shipton Abbott. This time around, his return is expected to stir up more drama.
However, following the announcement, fans have been left less than impressed, with one even claiming to “hate” the character.
“Let’s hope Jamie Bamber behaves himself,” one wrote on social media, while another fumed: “Archie better not split up Martha and Humphrey; I hate him.”
“Archie is coming back?” someone else asked as another theorised: “I believe that they break up and she’s back with Archie. Then that leaves Humphrey to be with Esther, which I’ve always thought was a better fit.”
Meanwhile, Martha will also have to cope with a health scare affecting her mother, Anne Lloyd, played by Barbara Flynn, raising concerns about a potential exit.
The upcoming series will feature a talented ensemble cast, including Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins. Additionally, Jason Hughes from Midsomer Murders will make a guest appearance, reports Wales Online.
According to the series synopsis: “We return to Shipton Abbott for a thrilling new series of the hugely successful crime drama Beyond Paradise. Packed with mystery, humour, and heart, we follow DI Humphrey Goodman and the team as they tackle more mind-boggling puzzles, all set against the breathtaking landscapes of Devon and Cornwall.
“When a body is found in the river on the county border, Humphrey and Esther are thrown in the deep end, having to work alongside their Cornish counterparts. Things take a darker turn in the next case when Kelby’s 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.”
It continues: “Away from the police station, Humphrey and Martha 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?”
“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 faces a health scare, which brings back traumatic memories. Not wanting to burden Martha, she keeps it to herself until an unlikely friendship blossoms.
“After discovering the Chief Superintendent has a new boyfriend, Kelby decides it’s time to move on. On a mission to better himself personally and professionally, he enters the world of online dating with the help of Margo’s expertise.”
The newly released trailer for the series offers viewers an initial glimpse of Martha and Humphrey in their roles as foster parents, with the young girl characterising the detective as “a bit weird.”
Beyond Paradise returns on Friday, 28th March 2025, on BBC One.
