What mystery will the Shipton Abbott team solve this time?

By Katelyn Mensah

Published: Tuesday, 12 December 2023 at 08:00 AM


Humphrey and the gang are back for a special episode of Beyond Paradise, as Shipton Abbott is hit by a spate of “bizarre burglaries” and the team uncover something that makes them all “reconsider the true meaning” of the festive period.

The Beyond Paradise Christmas special will see many much-loved characters return, as well as a few guest stars. Now, there are some extra pictures of the festive episode that’ll have fans counting down the days until Christmas Eve.

You can see all of the first look images below.

James Fleet (The Vicar of Dibley) will make an appearance in the Christmas special, alongside Isaac Vincent-Norgate (Sanditon), Amalia Vitale (Endeavour), Kulvinder Ghir (Still Open All Hours), Sheila Reid (Benidorm) and folk group Bellowhead.

James Fleet as Ernest with glasses on and holding a book with a bare Christmas tree in the background
James Fleet as Ernest. BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt

And, of course, those returning include Zahra Ahmadi (DS Esther Williams), Dylan Llewellyn (PC Kelby Hartford), Barbara Flynn (Anne Lloyd) and Felicity Montagu (Margo Martins).

Zoe Williams (MELINA SINADINOU), Esther Williams (ZAHRA AHMADI), Humphrey Goodman (KRIS MARSHALL) and Martha Lloyd (SALLY BRETTON)
Beyond Paradise cast at Christmas. BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt

Chris Jenks will make a return in the festive special as Josh Woods, a local who has a fair few run-ins with the police in Shipton Abbott. Has he gone back to his old ways?

Read more:

Chris Jenks as Josh Woods. He is smiling and is surrounded by festive decorations.
Chris Jenks as Josh Woods. BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt

While no photos have been released of Dylan Llewellyn as Kelby this Christmas, the police officer has his hands full with a “cheeky young shoplifter”.

And just when you though the drama with subside, a “chance encounter gives Martha food for thought about the future”.

Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd in Beyond Paradise. She is wearing a Santa hat.
Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd in Beyond Paradise. BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt

Elsewhere in the festive special, fans will see Esther’s teenage daughter Zoe (Melina Sinadinou) made to work in Santa’s Grotto, and it’s safe to say she is less than impressed.

Melina Sinadinou as Zoe Williams in Beyond Paradise.
Melina Sinadinou as Zoe Williams. BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt

As the Shipton Abbott residents prepare for the Christmas festivities, will Humphrey solve the case of the mysterious burglaries?

The Beyond Paradise Christmas special will air on BBC One on Christmas Eve, and season 1 is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on.

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