BBC fans believe an exit could be on the cards for one character in the upcoming series and Christmas special. Earlier this year, bosses confirmed Martha Lloyd’s (played by Sally Bretton) old flame Archie (Jamie Bamber) would be making a return to the series – and many fans think this could mean heartbreak for Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall).
Archie was last seen in series one when he tried to make a move on Martha, however, she soon rejected his advances. At the end of this year’s series, Martha and Humphrey decided to cancel their wedding—but what could this mean for the future?
Fans have taken to a Facebook fan page dedicated to the programme to share their thoughts and theories about what could happen when Archie returns.
Discussing Martha and Humphrey’s fate, one fan shared: “Apprently Archie is due to return for series three. I’m not exactly sure how I feel about that as I think is character ran his course in series one.”
Another fan theorised: “I believe that they break up and she’s back with Archie. Then that leaves Humphrey to be with Esther, which I’ve always thought was a better fit.”
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Kris Marshall as Humphrey Goodman (Image: BBC)
While a third agreed: “On a number of occasions, a scene has ended with Esther having a long look at Humphrey, could be wistful if they wanted the story to go that way.”
“Hopefully, he’ll run off with Martha, and we won’t have her dragging Humphrey down anymore,” someone else suggested.
Another echoed: “As did Humphrey’s wife, hopefully she’ll go off with him. Let Humphrey get back to solving crime.”
The has also released a first-look picture of the show’s Christmas special as it welcomes a few new faces to Beyond Paradise.
Archie will make his return to the upcoming series (Image: BBC)
As reported by The Sun, the synopsis for the Christmas special teases: “When recently widowed Bob Holland (Mark Heap) is ordered to leave his home by a vision of his late wife Linda (Rosalind Adler), he is thrown into emotional turmoil, a vivid reminder of his harrowing grief.
“Deeply disturbed by this series of troubling events, he turns to his friend Anne (Barbara Flynn) for comfort, who shares his encounters with the Shipton Abbott team.
“Unsure whether Bob’s ghostly visions are a manifestation of grief or something more sinister, Humphrey and Esther (Zahra Ahmadi) get to work unravelling the mystery.
“Bob’s daughter Fiona (Tamla Kari) and her husband, a maverick inventor Colin (Seann Walsh), appear stumped and concerned when deliberating who could be behind this ghostly apparition.”
The BBC has given fans a glimpse at the Christmas special (Image: BBC)
It continued: “Meanwhile, Kelby (Dylan Llewellyn) and Margo (Felicity Montagu) are on the case after a break-in at the church leaves the nativity scene incomplete. With the Christmas service fast approaching, and CS Charlie Woods (Jade Harrison) due to attend, can Kelby solve the mystery of the missing Virgin Mary and impress the Chief Superintendent?
“Away from the station, Humphrey and Martha’s (Sally Bretton) fostering journey continues as they open their home to introverted teenager Jaiden (Austin Taylor) over the festive period.
“Struggling to connect, and with Humphrey otherwise occupied at work, Martha feels out of her depth. Can she overcome her self-doubt and find a way to bond with Jaiden? And will he open up and let her in before the arrive?”
Beyond Paradise will return to screens later this month on One.