The BBC is preparing to deliver a festive treat for fans of its hit detective drama, with the Beyond Paradise Christmas Special scheduled to air on Sunday, 21 December 2025. The episode promises to transport viewers back to the charming town of Shipton Abbott for a holiday instalment brimming with mystery, surprise guest appearances, and an emotional reunion that will tug at the heartstrings.
A Deeply Personal Festive Case For DI Goodman
The central festive mystery takes a poignant turn for DI Humphrey Goodman, once again portrayed by Kris Marshall. The detective's Christmas is upended when an elderly man, suffering from dementia and with no memory, is discovered on the steps of the Shipton Abbott police station. The man's sole possession is a photograph of Humphrey, plunging the team into a deeply personal investigation to uncover his identity and connection to their lead detective.
Marshall himself teased the storyline, stating, "It's such a personal story for Humphrey. A man turns up on his doorstep with a picture and we're not sure why, but it soon becomes a deeply touching story." He added that the reason behind the photograph makes for a "very Christmassy story that warms the cockles."
Star-Studded Guest Cast Joins The Festive Fun
The special episode boasts an impressive line-up of guest stars, blending talent from beloved British television series. Leading the guest cast is Adrian Edmondson, a familiar face from Death in Paradise itself, alongside roles in EastEnders and The Pact.
They are joined by Jonny Weldon, acclaimed for his role as Ian in Netflix's One Day, who plays the nephew of station stalwart Margo Martins. Completing the trio of notable guests is James Lance, beloved for his portrayal of journalist Trent Crimm in the award-winning series Ted Lasso.
Series regular Zahra Ahmadi, who plays DS Esther Williams, praised the guest actors, saying they felt like a "natural extension of the series." Dylan Llewellyn (PC Kelby Hartford) also expressed his delight, particularly at working with Jonny Weldon, noting he "fit into the Beyond Paradise family like a glove."
Full Cast Details And Character Arcs
The special brings back the entire core cast, each navigating their own festive challenges. Sally Bretton returns as Martha Lloyd, who is secretly planning a surprise for Humphrey with help from her mother, Anne (Barbara Flynn). Bretton hinted that after a difficult journey, the couple are "finally in a happy spot."
Meanwhile, Zahra Ahmadi's DS Esther Williams must confront the aftermath of her devastating split from Archie Hughes (Jamie Bamber) in series three. Dylan Llewellyn's PC Kelby Hartford finds himself trying to assist a man who has become trapped inside a snowman costume.
Felicity Montagu's character, Office Support Margo Martins, faces a season of high drama when her adored nephew becomes a prime suspect in the Christmas mystery. Montagu revealed this forces Margo to drop her usual humorous facade, showing a vulnerable and fiercely protective side as she fights to prove his innocence.
The official synopsis sets the scene for a chaotic yet heartwarming Christmas in Shipton Abbott. Alongside the central mystery of the man with Humphrey's photograph, the team must balance a flurry of other holiday cases. With unexpected visitors arriving, a slew of seasonal crimes to solve, and Martha's secret plan in motion, the pressure is on for the Shipton Abbott police to juggle it all in time for Christmas.
