Beyond Paradise series 4 reveals first look as Gavin & Stacey legend joins new guest cast
A Happy Valley star has joined the guest cast, too!
Beyond Paradise series 4 has just given fans a first look at the Death in Paradise spinoff – and, alongside Kris Marshall, a few familiar stars have joined the guest cast.
With Death in Paradise fast approaching its series 15 finale, it’s almost time to gear up for Beyond Paradise’s return.
In the final episode of the third season on BBC One, Humphrey and Martha faced a difficult step in their fostering journey, while Esther made a big decision about her love life, and Kelby made an unlikely friend (times two!).
So, with series 4 set to drop on BBC One and iPlayer very soon, here’s what we know so far – and a recap of what happened at the end of Beyond Paradise season 3.
***Warning: spoilers from the Beyond Paradise series 3 ending ahead***
When is Beyond Paradise series 4 out?
Beyond Paradise series 4 will premiere in March 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
This has been confirmed by the BBC, which said (in a new press release) that the fourth series is “coming later this month”.
Filming kicked off in July last year, with Red Planet Pictures writing on social media: “We’re back in Shipton Abbott! Filming has begun this week on the brand-new series of #BeyondParadise.
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“Expect plenty of puzzling twists and turns as the team gear up for another series full of mystery, humour, and heart on the sunny shores of Devon and Cornwall.”
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Unlike Death in Paradise, which thanks to the title needs someone to die every week, Beyond Paradise centres on murders, robberies, kidnappings, and other strange goings on. There’s also the ongoing fostering journey for Martha and Humphrey, and the will-they-won’t-they relationship between Esther and Archie.
There’s no reason why Beyond Paradise can’t carry on for years and years, providing the public still want to watch it.
And don’t forget the weekly guest cast, which makes every episode slightly different. Series 3 has included Hugh Dennis, and Caroline Quentin. In the future, we’d quite like to see Ralf Little’s Death in Paradise character DI Neville Parker turn up on the coast one week!
What is series 4 about?
Beyond Paradise series 4 will involve a writer’s mysterious death, a treasure map, and a possible mermaid sighting. According to the BBC, “new mysteries and puzzling cases await DI Humphrey Goodman and the team in Shipton Abbott”.
“Fact and folklore blur as they investigate the death of a novelist who predicted their demise, a magical night of Dark Morris that soon turns sour, a stolen treasure map that suddenly reappears, and the alleged sighting of a vengeful mermaid lurking out at sea,” the synopsis teases.
The new series will also see Humphrey and Martha trying to settle into married life. However, big changes could be afoot.
“Humphrey wrestles with an impossible decision that may change the lives of everyone at the station forever,” the synopsis adds.
Could Humphrey be leaving? Say it isn’t so!
Who’s in the Beyond Paradise series 4 cast?
Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton will reprise their roles as Humphrey and Martha in Beyond Paradise series 4. The cast also includes:
- Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams
- Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford
- Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd
- Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins
- Jamie Bamber as Archie Hughes
- Melina Sinadinou as Zoe Williams
- Eva Feiler as Lucy Thompson
- Phil Daniels as Marvelous Harris
Guest cast revealed
Get ready for some major stars in series 4’s guest cast, too.
Melanie Walters, best known for playing Gwen in Gavin and Stacey, will appear in the new series. EastEnders fans should also recognise Susan George, who played Margaret Walker in 2001.
Elsewhere, the guest cast will also include:
- Vincent Franklin (Happy Valley, The Thick of It)
- Colin McFarlane (The War Between the Land and the Sea, The Dark Knight)
- Michael Cochrane (The Archers)
- Alex Macqueen (The Inbetweeners)
- Tristan Sturrock (Poldark)
- Andrea Lowe (Sherwood)
- Rachel Cassidy (Downton Abbey)
- Emily Stott (Foundation)
- Rina Mahoney (Happy Valley)
- Susan Penhaligon (A Fine Romance)
- James Clay (MobLand)
- Kenneth Collard (Cuckoo)
- Narinda Samra (Ackley Bridge)
Other guest stars have yet to be announced, too.
What happened at the end of Beyond Paradise series 3?
In the final episode of Beyond Paradise series 3, Josh Wood’s girlfriend Lucy Thompson vanished on her way to work. But Humphrey and the team soon got to the bottom of it when they discovered that Lucy had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Local man Trent Morgan, desperate to pay off his debts, had stolen drugs from drug dealer Steve Banley. As payback, Steve kidnapped Trent’s beloved mum. Lucy just happened to be cycling past on her way to work and got bundled in the van, too. Luckily, all were rescued at the end.
As for Martha and Humphrey’s fostering journey, they were forced to say a bittersweet farewell to their foster child Rosie, when her mum was able to take her back. Devastated, they thought they’d have more time with the girl. Perhaps the day will come when they are able to adopt a foster child and complete their family.
Meanwhile, despite Esther “moping around like a sad, lost puppy”, she (rather stupidly if you ask us) refused to get back together with Archie. She hasn’t dated anyone since Zoe’s dad died when she was a baby. And, although Archie agreed to take their relationship at Esther’s pace, she told him she couldn’t do it. [Insert exasperated eye roll emoji here.]
Lastly, Kelby made two new friends in the Beyond Paradise series 3 finale. Firstly, he found he had lots in common with his previous nemesis Josh and, secondly, he got himself a dog! Awwwww.
Will there be a Christmas special in 2026?
While strictly unconfirmed, we’re betting that there will be a Beyond Paradise Christmas special in 2026.
Why? Well, the series has released a festive special every year for the past three years. They follow a similar schedule: the initial run of episodes lasts just over a month, and then it returns in December.
We probably won’t find out more until later in the year, so keep your eyes peeled!
Read more: It’s Not What You Think: ‘Sinister’ new thriller from Death in Paradise producer sounds incredible
