BBC One's Beyond Paradise returns for a Christmas special on 21 December with several newcomers
10:09, 11 Dec 2025
The popular series Beyond Paradise is set to return this December with a Christmas special, featuring a 'very funny' new addition to the cast.
In the upcoming festive episode, Esther Williams, portrayed by Zahra Ahmadi, stumbles upon a man on the steps of Shipton Abbott police station. The man has no recollection of his identity and clutches a photograph of Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall.
The team quickly springs into action to unravel the mystery of the man's identity while juggling a host of holiday-related cases.
Simultaneously, Anne Lloyd ( Barbara Flynn ), Zoe Williams (Melina Sinadinou), and a special guest assist Martha Lloyd ( Sally Bretton) in executing her covert plan, while Kelby Hartford (Dylan Llewellyn) aids a mystery man stuck in his snowman costume.
The synopsis hints at an exciting episode: "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?", reports the Express.
Zahra, 43, who plays Esther, teased the forthcoming scenes, praising the episode's 'fantastic guest cast': "Jonny Weldon as Margo's nephew was great - he's very funny, and it's always fun to work with people who can make you laugh easily.
"Every one of our festive special guest cast this year, Adrian Edmondson, James Lance too, has really felt like a natural extension of the series - it was a joy to work with them all."
Meanwhile, Felicity Montagu, who portrays Margo Martins, commented: "Having Jonny Weldon in this episode was wonderful. He's so talented, and it felt surreal seeing the next generation of actors coming through. It was a real privilege to work with him."
Actor and comedian Jonny Weldon has made his name through roles in The Holden Girls: Mandy & Myrtle, Brassic, and the Netflix smash hit One Day. He's also gained a following on social media for his side-splitting comedy sketches.
The official Beyond Paradise Instagram page teased the festive special, posting: "The cosiest Christmas awaits in Shipton Abbott!
"This year's guest cast includes Adrian Edmondson (Alien: Earth), James Lance (Ted Lasso) and Jonny Weldon (One Day), joining Kris Marshall, Sally Bretton, Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, Barbara Flynn, Felicity Montagu and Melina Sinadinou. #BeyondParadise."
Fans flooded the comments section with excitement. One viewer wrote: "Can't wait for this to be on the tv, I absolutely love this show and missed it so much xx", whilst another gushed: "My favourite tv show, I've rewatched the previous series's so many times".
A third chimed in: "Lovely. This show is such a cosy treat."
Beyond Paradise returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas on Sunday 21 December.