BBC’s Beyond Paradise returns on Sunday 21 December with a newcomer joining the festive special
Olivia Wheeler Content Editor Screen Time
09:57, 11 Dec 2025
Margo Martins’ nephew features in the episode (Image: BBC)
Beyond Paradise returns this December with another Christmas special featuring a ‘very funny’ addition to the cast.
The festive episode sees Esther Williams, portrayed by Zahra Ahmadi, stumble upon a man on the steps of Shipton Abbott police station who has lost his memory and is clutching a photograph of Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall.
The team quickly springs into action to identify the enigmatic stranger whilst juggling numerous seasonal cases.
Meanwhile, with assistance from Anne Lloyd (Barbara Flynn), Zoe Williams (Melina Sinadinou) and a special guest, Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) rushes to execute her covert scheme whilst Kelby Hartford (Dylan Llewellyn) attempts to rescue a mystery man stuck inside his snowman outfit.
The synopsis hints: “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.
Beyond Paradise is back for another Christmas special this December(Image: BBC)
Speaking about the forthcoming scenes, Esther actress Zahra, 43, praised 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.”
Felicity Montagu, who portrays Margo Martins in the series, expressed her delight at working with Jonny Weldon, stating: “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.”
Jonny Weldon, an actor and comedian, is renowned for his roles in The Holden Girls: Mandy & Myrtle, Brassic, and the Netflix hit series One Day. Weldon also utilises his social media platforms to share amusing sketches.
Actor and comedian Jonny Weldon is best known for Netflix hit series One Day(Image: BBC)
The official Instagram account for Beyond Paradise revealed more about the upcoming 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 were quick to express their excitement in the comments section. One follower wrote: “Can’t wait for this to be on the tv, I absolutely love this show and missed it so much xx”, while another added: “My favourite tv show, I’ve rewatched the previous series’s so many times”.
Meanwhile, a third fan chimed in with: “Lovely. This show is such a cosy treat.”
Beyond Paradise is set to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas on Sunday 21 December.
