Beyond Paradise detectives go to war over scones in exclusive first-look clip

Beyond Paradise returns for a third season on Friday and whilst DI Humphrey Goodman looks into a suspicious death, there are greater crimes afoot in the age-old debate of whether jam or cream comes first.

An exclusive clip from episode one shared with Yahoo UK shows Devon’s DS Esther Williams locked in a tense battle of wills with her Cornish counterpart as they have a silent battle over how best to prepare a scone.

The two detectives stare each other down at a meeting at the 10 Mile Kitchen and tune out the chat about a body found on the county border as they race to put jam and cream on their scones in what they feel is the correct order.

Zahra Ahmadi, who stars as Esther, said the scene had been one of her favourite moments of season three: “The first episode involves a crime on the Devon-Cornwall border. It’s fun because it addresses the age-old ‘cream or jam first’ debate! We see the Cornish equivalent of Humphrey and Esther, and there’s a bit of rivalry between the teams as they figure out jurisdiction.”

Fans might also spot that the 10 Mile Kitchen has a new venue this season – Sally Bretton who plays Martha Lloyd said: “It was lovely! The new location is right in the heart of Shipton Abbott with stunning views over the harbour. It’s so picturesque and filming there made it even more special.

“The new space is bigger than the café which gives it a slightly more refined, restaurant-like vibe. It’s still got that cozy, welcoming feel but it is clear that Martha’s business is growing and evolving. It was great to be part of that transition.”

What else happens in Beyond Paradise series 3’s return?

The new series has snared some exciting guest stars, kicking off with Hugh Dennis as a suspect in the first case for the team.

Kris Marshall, who stars as DI Humphrey Goodman, told Yahoo UK about a challenging scene where Dennis’s character tells him he will need to ask his questions while joining him on a run.

Marshall said: “Because he’s an incredibly fit man there’s a particularly brilliant scene with us running where he frankly shows me up! And I’m not out of shape. All I can say is that was a very steep hill and I was in brogues, that’s all I’m going to say.”

The BBC’s synopsis for the new series reads: “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.”

Viewers will also see Humphrey and Martha continue their fostering journey, Esther is pushed outside of her comfort zone in her personal life, and Martha’s mum Anne faces a health scare that she tries to keep secret.

Friday’s Beyond Paradise series three debut will be followed by the series finale of Death in Paradise.

Beyond Paradise returns to BBC One at 8pm on Friday.