Beyond Paradise has revealed the return of a familiar face in a first glimpse of the upcoming series, set to premiere on March 28. However, the comeback of Martha’s former flame, Archie, played by Jamie Bamber, may stir up trouble for Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton).
Archie was last seen making a hasty exit from Shipton Abbott after Martha rejected his attempt to kiss her. His return may reignite unresolved feelings and create tension in Martha’s relationship with Humphrey.
Furthermore, Martha faces additional challenges as her mother, Anne Lloyd (Barbara Flynn), encounters a health scare, leaving fans wondering if this could signal an exit for the character.
The new series will feature the return of regular cast members, including Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins. Additionally, Jason Hughes from Midsomer Murders will make a guest appearance.
Some fans are less than thrilled after the announcement of Archie’s comeback. Taking to social media to share their thoughts one quizzed: “Archie is coming back?”
Another pleaded, “Let’s hope Jamie Bamber behaves himself,” while a third added, “Archie better not split up Martha and Humphrey; I hate him.”
Don’t miss…
The Beyond Paradise cast (Image: BBC)
The series synopsis promises: “We return to Shipton Abbott for a thrilling new series of the hugely successful crime drama Beyond Paradise. Packed with mystery, humour, and heart, we follow DI Humphrey Goodman and the team as they tackle more mind-boggling puzzles, all set against the breathtaking landscapes of Devon and Cornwall,” reports .
“When a body is discovered in the river on the county border, Humphrey and Esther are thrust into the thick of it, forced to collaborate with their Cornish colleagues. The situation escalates when Kelby’s friend starts receiving menacing messages from an unidentified source.
“Further enigmas include a perplexing case of chocolate box poisoning, a longstanding farming dispute, a spiking incident at sea, and a sinister kidnapping, ensuring the Shipton Abbott detectives have their work cut out for them.”
Archie is returning to Beyond Paradise (Image: BBC)
The narrative continues: “Away from the precinct, Humphrey and Martha persist with their fostering journey, but the arrival of 9-year-old Rosie presents more hurdles than they expected. In another development, an unforeseen shift in Esther’s personal life pushes her beyond her comfort zone. But is she prepared for this new chapter, and can she handle it becoming public knowledge?
“As Zoe flourishes in her role at the Ten Mile Kitchen, she makes a daring choice, but how will she break the news to Esther, and how will she react? Meanwhile, Anne confronts a health scare, triggering distressing memories. Unwilling to burden Martha, she keeps it to herself until an unlikely friendship emerges.
“After finding out that the Chief Superintendent has a new beau, Kelby decides it’s time to move forward. Determined to improve both personally and professionally, he ventures into the realm of online dating with Margo’s guidance.”
The series trailer also offers a glimpse into Martha and Humphrey’s new role as foster parents as the child candidly refers to the detective as “a bit weird.”
Beyond Paradise returns on March 28 on One.