BBC First has announced the acquisition of Beyond Paradise – a spin-off of the phenomenally popular Death in Paradise – which reveals what happened to DI Humphrey Goodman after he left the sunny shores of Saint Marie.
The show will premiere in Australia on the channel in line with the UK broadcast. Beloved by millions of fans worldwide and one of the most popular shows on TV in more than 90 countries across the globe, the phenomenon that is Death in Paradise has kept armchair detectives enthralled for over a decade.
One of the show’s most popular characters, the endearingly awkward and rather unconventional DI Humphrey Goodman, led the island’s police team in solving the most mysterious of murders. However, when Humphrey fell hopelessly in love with island tourist, Martha Lloyd, he decided to leave the sun-soaked paradise to follow her back to the colder climes of the United Kingdom.
Reuniting Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton in the lead roles, Beyond Paradise is a new, original drama which picks up Humphrey and Martha’s story as they navigate a new life together in the idyll of rural Britain.
Seeking a quieter life away from the stress of the city, Humphrey has taken a job as Detective Inspector in fiancée Martha’s hometown. However, they soon find that country life is anything but peaceful and Humphrey can’t help but be distracted by the town’s surprisingly high crime rate with a new, and very different, case challenging him each week.
Marshall said: “I had the best time playing Humphrey out in Guadeloupe and whilst I was delighted that he got his happy ending with Martha, I always wanted to know what happened next. So it’s a joy to be putting his crumpled jacket back on and seeing how life has panned out for him back in the UK.
“Working with Sally is a dream, and I can’t wait to continue Humphrey and Martha’s story and solve a few seemingly impossible mysteries along the way,” he added.
Chrissie Carras, head of branded services, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are so excited to be bringing Beyond Paradise to Australian viewers. Audiences can’t get enough of Death in Paradise – which is the number one show on our channel – so I know they will be eager to see what adventures await Humphrey and Martha as they start their new life.
“Beyond Paradise has an eclectic mix of characters, intriguing puzzles and the same humorous upbeat tone that has made Death in Paradise such a hit – all with a beautiful new location for audiences to feast their eyes on,” she added.
Beyond Paradise from Red Planet Pictures will begin filming this later. Created by Tony Jordan and Robert Thorogood, Beyond Paradise is a co-commission between BBC One and BritBox International, and will be produced by Red Planet Pictures, part of the Asacha Media Group. BBC Studios will handle international distribution.
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Top image: Kris Marshall