Shipton Abbott is in for an eerie Christmas this year, as Beyond Paradise’s DI Humphrey Goodman investigates his first ever haunting. But ghosts are the least of his and his other half Martha’s problems as the couple try to bond with their latest foster child – device loving teenager Jaiden.
“Every child is different and fostering is an emotional rollercoaster,” says Kris Marshall, who returns as Humphrey. “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.” Sally Bretton, who plays Martha, adds, “Jaiden is a bit of a challenge at first. Like any typical teenager, he’s glued to his phone and headphones and it takes him a while to warm up to Martha. She really tries to make a connection with him, but it’s not easy.”
Meanwhile, there could be romance in store for PC Kelby Hartford, with Dylan Llewellyn hinting that his character’s crush on Chief Superintendent Woods (Jade Harrison) takes on a whole new level at Christmas. “Kelby’s still very much a lovesick puppy when it comes to the Chief Superintendent,” he says. “He’s holding out hope for a Christmas miracle – maybe even a kiss under the mistletoe. Whether that will happen or not is anyone’s guess, but you never know!”
Humphrey’s supernatural mystery kicks off with an incomplete nativity scene − which reminded Kris of how his own acting career began. “I played one of the Wise Men when I was about five,” the 51-year-old says. “I still vividly remember the crown I wore. It was made of silver foil with blue and red tissue paper. It was still in my mum’s loft until I was in my mid-twenties.”
As for whether the Beyond Paradise cast are swapping presents this year, Kris is hoping for a gift from co-star Zahra Ahmadi, who plays Humphrey’s right-hand woman DS Esther Williams. “I’d love to receive a gift from Zahra,” he says. “She’s the best at presents − always so thoughtful and great at remembering people’s birthdays.”
Although Kris may change his mind when he finds out what Zahra is leaving him under the Christmas tree. “I’d love to buy Kris a huge jar of Marmite. He’s not a fan of it, so I think it would really wind him up, which would be hilarious,” Zahra smiles.
Beyond Paradise's 2024 Christmas Special airs on Friday 27 December at 9pm on BBC One.