Beyond Paradise is back on our screens for a Christmas special – however, BBC One star Kris Marshall has dished all on the detective drama’s real filming locations
We’re heading back to the fictional town of Shipton Abbott for Beyond Paradise’s Christmas special, as detective Humphrey and the rest of his unit investigate a local haunting. Tackling his first-ever supernatural case, Humphrey (played by Kris Marshall) is tackling new territory in the picturesque Devon town.
While viewers will be treated to another series of scenic backdrops as Beyond Paradise gets in the festive spirit, it will come as a surprise to some that the BBC spin-off isn’t always filmed in Devon. Speaking about the show’s filming locations earlier this year, Kris revealed that some scenes were actually shot in Cornwall.
“We film on both sides of the River Tamar,” he said. “I’m from the South West so I’m biased, but I think it’s one of the best places on Earth.”
The River Tamar runs along the border between Devon and Cornwall, with filming taking place either side. However, much of the filming for series one took place in Looe – a harbour town in southeast Cornwall.
Speaking about filming in the South West, Felicity Montagu, who plays Margo Martins, revealed that the locals love having the cast and crew in town. “We get to know the locals and their extensive family,” she said. “It’s quite extraordinary. There’s a bit of moaning sometimes.
“But I think generally speaking, they’re happy. I mean I went to the fishmonger’s while we were filming and he said, ‘Can you personally thank the producers because our business has escalated.’ And I’m thrilled that’s happened. It helps when we have a few sunny days. I love to swim in the sea at Looe.”
Meanwhile, Zahra Ahmadi – who plays Esther Williams – said that many of the cast and crew would take to the sea after a hard day of work. “I only swim in the Mediterranean,” laughed Zahra. “But loads of the crew and the cast are sea-swimming, even outside of summer.”
Speaking ahead of the Beyond Paradise Christmas special, Kris teased that the episode sees Humphrey and partner Martha attempt to connect with their new foster child Jaiden. “While Humphrey is supportive and involved, most of the parenting tends to fall on Martha’s shoulders. But Humphrey does find the whole fostering experience deeply rewarding,” he said.