Beyond Paradise Christmas special 2025: Release date, actors and plot as Humphrey and Martha finally tie the knot?
Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton are back as DI Humphrey Goodman and Martha Lloyd for another festive episode
Beyond Paradise is back with a Christmas special for 2025, and it looks like wedding bells as well as jingle bells for Humphrey and Martha.
This year’s seasonal special appears to see the couple finally tie the knot after abandoning plans in season 2, as it all got a bit too much for the bride-to-be.
Wedding aside, it’s business as usual for Humphrey and Esther as they investigate a man who’s lost his memory and a snowman!
The final episode of series 3 saw Humphrey and Martha left heartbroken when their fostering journey hit a bump in the road. Kelby also made a new canine friend, and Esther made a big decision about her future.
But what more drama will the festive special bring? Read on!
So there is a Beyond Paradise Christmas special for 2025?
Yes! A Beyond Paradise Christmas Special has become something of an annual tradition after the first festive episode aired in 2023.
This year’s special will be the third festive offering and will pick up shortly after where series 3 left off.
With Esther’s love life in ruins after she struggled to commit to a new romance with Archie, could the new episode see her find a Christmas romance?
It also remains to be seen what is next in Martha and Humphrey’s fostering journey after they had to say a bittersweet farewell to their foster child Rosie at the end of the last series. Could they welcome a new child into their home for the festive break? Pictures tease that they might be somewhat preoccupied getting married!
What is the plot for this year’s festive episode?
There’s a new mystery heading our way for the Christmas special but, of course, this time, there is a festive twist.
The official BBC synopsis for the Death in Paradise spin-off says: “When Esther discovers a man on the steps of the Shipton Abbott police station with no memory, holding a photo of Humphrey, the team gets to work to uncover who the mysterious man is while balancing a flurry of festive cases.
“At the same time, with the help of Anne, Zoe and a special guest, Martha races to pull off her secret plan. Also, Kelby tries to help a mystery man trapped inside his snowman costume.
“But, with an influx of unexpected visitors, a slew of holiday crimes to crack, and a heartwarming reunion on the line, can the team juggle it all and still be ready for a life-changing reveal?”
Who is in the cast for the Beyond Paradise Christmas special 2025?
Kris Marshall is back once again as DI Humphrey Goodman. Let’s face it, the show wouldn’t be the same without him. Kris first played Humphrey Goodman in Death in Paradise between 2014 and 2017.
The Bath-born actor is also known for playing Tom Parker in the period drama Sanditon, and Cian Fitzgerald in We Hunt Together. He’s no stranger to festive filming, having starred as Colin Frissell in the 2003 hit film Love Actually.
Sally Bretton returns as Humphrey’s other half, Martha Lloyd. Martha appeared in five episodes of Death in Paradise until 2017, when she whisked DI Humphrey Goodman away to the UK. Sally is also known for playing long-suffering Lucy in Not Going Out, opposite comedian Lee Mack.
Zahra Ahmadi is back as Humphrey’s colleague, DS Esther Williams. Zahra was the original actress to play Shabnam Masood in EastEnders. Her first TV role was as DC Imelda Folks in the ITV drama Trial & Retribution.
Zahra’s other TV credits include Doctor Who, Black Mirror, Berlin Station and Count Arthur Strong. Zahra’s also no stranger to the Death in Paradise universe, having played murder victim Daisy Anderson in Death in Paradise season 7 episode 5.
Fan favourite Dylan Llewellyn will resume his role as PC Kelby Hartford. It remains to be seen if his new furry friend, which he made at the end of season 3, will be returning with him.
Barbara Flynn also returns as Anne Lloyd, and Felicity Montagu is back as Margo Martins for the Beyond Paradise Christmas special 2025.
Jamie Bamber will also be returning as Esther’s love interest, Archie Hughes. Melina Sinadinou is back as Esther’s daughter, Zoe Williams.
Who are the guest stars this year?
One of the things the Death in Paradise universe does so well is guest stars. All three shows, Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, and Return to Paradise, feature some big names in each series, and the Beyond Paradise Christmas special is no exception.
This year will see Alien: Earth, Bottom and EastEnders star Adrian Edmondson arrive in the Devonshire seaside town for the holidays. Adrian, who has been married to Jennifer Saunders since 1985, will play David Haleton in the episode. Could he be the man with no memory?
Also starring will be James Lance as Terry Finch. James is best known for playing sportswriter Trent Crimm in Ted Lasso. Joining him is One Day star Jonny Weldon as Robert Martin. Jonny has also starred in The Outlaws and House of the Dragon.
When can I watch the Beyond Paradise Christmas special?
The Beyond Paradise Christmas special 2025 airs Sunday, December 21 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
You can also watch past series and last year’s Christmas special on BBC iPlayer.
Read More: BBC Christmas 2025 TV Preview
Will there be a Beyond Paradise series 4?
Indeed there will be – the cast and crew shared lots of details about the filming on location in Cornwall over the spring and summer this year.
The series is expected to air in early 2026. You can read everything we know about Beyond Paradise series 4 here.
