Beyond Paradise cast: Who stars in the Death In Paradise spin-off?
FANS of Death In Paradise fans are being given a real treat, with new spin-off show Beyond Paradise.
The six-part series picks up the story of Kris Marshall’s DI Humphrey Goodman and Sally Bretton’s Martha Lloyd, who have just moved to the coast from London.
Who stars in Beyond Paradise spin-off?
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman
Kris Marshall leads the cast in the Death In Paradise spin-off show Beyond Paradise, reprising his role as DI Humphrey Goodman.
The BBC describes his character as: “Endearingly awkward, often clumsy, with a genius ability to solve the most fiendishly difficult crimes, there’s no other detective quite like Humphrey Goodman.”
Speaking about how it felt to reprise the role, Kris told the BBC: “Really easy, actually. It’s like slipping on an old pair of slippers.
“He’s a comfortable, lovely old friend – it’s just delightful to play him again.”
Away from Death In Paradise and Beyond Paradise, the actor got his break when he played the hapless Nick in BBC comedy My Family.
He then shot to international stardom when he appeared as Colin in 2003 film Love Actually.
Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd
Death In Paradise fans will be thrilled to see Sally Bretton back playing Humphrey’s wife, Martha.
The BBC describes her character as: “Smart, down-to-earth and funny, Martha is the Yin to Humphrey’s Yang.”
Speaking about playing Martha again, Sally told the BBC: “It was wonderful to come back to this character after five years.
“I really like Martha, she’s very warm and driven, but she overthinks things, so she’s interesting to play.”
You may recognise actress Sally from BBC comedy Not Going Out.
Zahra Ahmadi as Detective Sergeant Esther Williams
Actress Zahra Ahmadi is new to the Paradise franchise.
Her character is described by the BBC as: “Ultra-smart, with a tenacious drive to help the town she grew up in, Esther rose through the ranks quickly.”
Speaking about what attracted her to joining the cast of Beyond Paradise, Zahra said: “Primarily it was about where the character was from as I am from the south-west.
“I’ve never had the opportunity in my professional career to play a character from the West Country, so initially, that was the draw for me.
“I know it sounds really clichéd, but Esther is a strong, independent woman and I really respected that about her.”
EastEnders’ fans may recognise her as she used to play Shabnam on the soap.
Dylan Llewellyn as Police Constable Kelby Hartford
Another new character is Police Constable Kelby Hartford, played by rising star Dylan Llewellyn.
The BBC describes his character as: “Hardworking and dedicated, Kelby sees his job in the police as the closest thing to a real-life superhero.
“He’s keen to impress the new Detective Inspector whenever he can.”
Speaking about why he joined the show, Dylan said: “It looked like such a great project, a spin off to Death in Paradise immediately sounded amazing, and it’s got a great script and cast.”
He added: “The character seemed different to my previous work as I’m used to playing a teen.”
Actor Dylan shot to fame playing James in Derry Girls.
Felicity Montagu as Office Support Margo Martins
Legendary actress Felicity Montagu plays the role of no-nonsense Margo Martins.
The BBC describes her character as “a tough cookie”.
She added: “Her sharp tongue hides genuine vulnerability and a life of tragedy: she’s buried three husbands, two dogs and eleven cats, and rarely sees her grown-up children.
“Despite threatening to retire on a yearly basis, Margo secretly relishes her job supporting the team; as Esther comments, she practically runs the place.”
Speaking about being on Beyond Paradise, Felicity said: “When I first read the script, she made me laugh – she is beautifully written.
“The rhythm is beautifully brought together, and I immediately thought I could really play her with relish. So, I really went for it, which means there was lots and lots of hard work!
The actress is best known for playing Lynn in Alan Partridge.
Bridget Jones fans will also know Felicity for her role of Perpetua in the first movie.
Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd
Cracker fans will recognise Barbara Flynn, who plays Martha’s mum Anne Lloyd in Beyond Paradise.
The BBC describes her character as: “Devastated by her husband’s recent death, Anne has embraced life in the community in order to fill the void.
“Delighted that Martha has moved back home – even if Humphrey frequently baffles her – her future is starting to look a little brighter.”
You may recognise the actress from ITV’s The Durrells, and BBC’s Cranford.
How can I watch Beyond Paradise?
Beyond Paradise kicks off on BBC One at 8pm on February 24, 2023.
The series will air over six consecutive weeks at the same time.
You can also catch up with the show on the BBC iPlayer.