Beyond Paradise’s Kris Marshall Opens Up About Family Life and Season 3 Challenges

 Beyond Paradise’s Kris Marshall Opens Up About Family Life and Season 3 Challenges

Kris Marshall is back as DI Humphrey Goodman in the highly anticipated third season of Beyond Paradise, but after months of filming, there was only one thing on his mind—getting home to his family.

After spending five intense months on set, the 51-year-old actor was eager to return to Bath, where he lives with his wife, Hannah Dodkin, and their two children, Thomas and Elsie. Though his role as the beloved detective has made him a household name, Marshall admits that the long filming schedule is both rewarding and exhausting.

A Simple Life Off-Screen

“I’m in the studio nearly every day,” Marshall shares. “As much as I love it, it’s joyous to finish after five months.”

For the actor, home is about enjoying the little things—like taking out the bins and doing school runs. “I like to go back home and be a dad again—put my kids on the bus and pick them up from school.”

Marshall and Dodkin began dating in 2010 and got engaged a year later, welcoming their children soon after. Though he prefers to keep his personal life private, Marshall previously revealed to Lorraine in 2020 that his son was a key reason behind his decision to leave Death in Paradise.

Humphrey’s Ever-Evolving Character

Despite playing Humphrey for nearly a decade—first in Death in Paradise and now Beyond Paradise—Marshall still finds his character intriguing.

“He’s both disarming while being armed,” he explains. “I still haven’t worked out whether it’s an affectation or just something he does.”

Marshall has always dreamed of doing his own stunts, and season 3 nearly gave him the chance—until producers shut it down.

“I was really up for it, but there was a small matter of insurance,” he laughs. “They said, ‘No chance.’ If it was the last day of filming, maybe they’d let me do it. But there’s an adage that says never do a dangerous stunt on your last day of filming.”

A Fresh Start for Humphrey and Martha

While season 3 promises new mysteries, it also brings some personal challenges for Humphrey. Fans were left heartbroken last season when he and Martha (played by Sally Bretton, 44) decided against tying the knot. However, their relationship is stronger than ever.

“They’re in a really good spot together,” Bretton shares. “They’re very busy but happy.”

Marshall finds the couple’s stability refreshing in a TV landscape filled with constant relationship turmoil. “They’re on the same page,” he says. “It’s rare to see a TV couple that aren’t caught in endless interpersonal drama.”

A Case That Hits Close to Home

But while Humphrey’s personal life may be smooth sailing, his job is anything but. The season kicks off with a gripping mystery: after a heated argument with his partner Arthur, a man named Niall drives off—only for his body to be discovered in the River Tamar.

What initially appears to be an accident quickly escalates into a tense jurisdictional battle. Humphrey locks horns with DS Esther Williams’ Cornish counterparts, DI Jacob Tremayne (played by Steve Oram) and DS Foster (Gabby Best). While Humphrey is convinced it’s murder, Jacob is eager to close the case.

For Marshall, who grew up in Somerset, the storyline was particularly exciting. “I like to think this kind of rivalry could exist between the police forces of Devon and Cornwall,” he jokes. “Though I know they actually share a single force. Still, I’d be surprised if that’s the last we see of our Cornish policeman.”

With new challenges, thrilling mysteries, and an ever-growing bond between Humphrey and Martha, Beyond Paradise season 3 promises to be one of the best yet.

Are you excited to see what’s next for Humphrey Goodman? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs

1. Why did Kris Marshall leave Death in Paradise?
Marshall stepped away from Death in Paradise to spend more time with his family, particularly his young son, as filming took place far from home.

2. Where does Kris Marshall live?
Marshall lives in Bath, England, with his wife, Hannah Dodkin, and their two children.

3. Will Humphrey and Martha get married in season 3?
While they chose not to marry last season, their relationship remains strong, and fans will have to watch to see what the future holds.

4. Who are the new characters in Beyond Paradise season 3?
DI Jacob Tremayne (Steve Oram) and DS Foster (Gabby Best) join the cast, bringing new conflicts and challenges for Humphrey.

5. When does Beyond Paradise season 3 premiere?
The official release date has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to air later this year on BBC One.