Humphrey Goodman gears up for more cases to solve as he dives into the third season of Beyond Paradise, while Martha grapples with her own set of hurdles in the hit drama. The charming DI Humphrey Goodman is back on our screens for more sun-soaked mysteries in the beloved Death In Paradise spin-off, with Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton slipping back into the shoes of the adored couple. Last season left BBC One audiences gobsmacked when Humphrey and Martha decided to ditch their wedding plans despite being engaged. Yet, their love seems unshakable. Sally Bretton spills that “They’re in a really good spot together,” adding, “They’re very busy but happy,” This season sees Martha juggling the relaunch of her restaurant Ten Mile Kitchen, all while oblivious to the fact that her mum Anne is about to face a significant hurdle of her own. To thicken the plot, Martha’s former flame, Archie (played by Jamie Bamber), makes a dramatic comeback with a business proposition in hand. Jamie, 51, last graced the show in its inaugural season, where Archie and Humphrey’s animosity came to a head. With their feud seemingly concluded, it appeared Archie’s story was over. However, when executive producer Tim Key suggested a return, Jamie found the prospect enticing.
Actor Jamie Bamber reprises his role as Archie in the third season of Beyond Paradise
(Image: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt )
Reflecting on his character, the Battlestar Galactica star remarks, “Archie was always one of Humphrey and Martha’s obstacles,” and acknowledges, “You can’t have the same obstacle forever. And it was true to Archie’s character without repeating what we’d already seen.” Archie’s not in town to rekindle old flames with Martha. No, after honing his vintner craft down under, he’s made peace with their finished love story. Now back, there’s a stirring of romance on the horizon as he and DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi) hit it off. “He’s successful in many areas of his life, but not in relationships,” reflects Jamie. “Maybe this time will be different, or maybe he’ll make the same mistakes.” But no matter how the plot unfolds, Jamie’s just chuffed to pieces being back among one of the cheeriest casts and crews he knows. He’s all about the series taking a fresh angle on police shows too, quipping, “Why do police shows always have to be about dead bodies?” Indeed, Jamie reckons that the daily grind of policing – the puzzle solving – is juicy enough for drama.
Archie strikes up a bond with Esther Williams as he affirms he’s officially moved on from ex-fiancée Martha
(Image: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt )
And talk about drama, the show dials it up when Anne (the stellar Barbara Flynn), Martha’s mum, returns from a disastrous romance to Devon only to grapple with a health fright. However, instead of reaching out to Martha, Anne pulls away, not wanting her daughter weighed down by her troubles. “Anne takes a step back because Martha has so much going on,” Barbara explains, “She doesn’t want to add to her stress.” Alas, keeping schtum only spells more chaos. With a nudge from Zoe (portrayed by Melina Sinadinou), Anne comes clean about her health woes but finds Martha already simmering with frustration that she was kept in the dark for so long. “Martha’s fiercely protective of the people she loves,” Sally reveals, “When she discovers Anne’s illness, she gives her a tough time. But it’s because she doesn’t want Anne to face things alone.” However, Anne isn’t one to be coddled by her daughter: “There’s no way Anne will let Martha parent her,” Sally adds. Despite the brewing tension, their connection remains rock solid. “They drive each other mad,” Sally admits, “But they’re incredibly close. Anne puts Martha back in her place, and they find their balance again.” But where does Archie fit into this dynamic? And could this spell trouble for Humphrey and Martha?
