BeyoBeyond Paradise’s Kris Marshall Reveals On-Set Challenges

Discover the behind-the-scenes hardships faced by Kris Marshall while filming Beyond Paradise in the sweltering Caribbean heat. Get the latest 2025 insights on Flickcores.

Beyond Paradise’s Kris Marshall Reveals On-Set Struggles

Filming BBC One’s iconic detective series on the sun-drenched shores of Guadeloupe might seem like an idyllic escapade. Yet, as fans of the show know, the reality behind the camera is anything but a holiday. Kris Marshall, famous for his role as Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman in Death in Paradise and its spin-off Beyond Paradise, recently shed light on the grueling conditions he encountered on set.

While many imagine tropical filming as a continuous blissful retreat, the reality is harsher. Marshall explains that the production is scheduled during the off-peak, rainy season in the Caribbean—when tourism is low and filming costs drop. Although the show benefits from some precious sunny days, most of the time is marked by relentless rain that gives way to oppressive humidity. Temperatures can soar to an almost unbearable 40 or 41 degrees Celsius, leaving actors to contend with a stifling, moist atmosphere that feels anything but refreshing.

This scenario would be perfect for a leisurely beach day in a pair of budgie smugglers, Marshall jokes, but not when you’re required to perform intricate scenes in full costume. The production team is forced to replicate the brilliant natural light indoors by flooding the set with every available lamp from the production truck. However, this attempt to mimic the outside brilliance comes at a steep price—actors often find themselves "cooking" under studio lights that push the temperature beyond 50 degrees Celsius.

Under these sweltering conditions, every line and nuance in the script demands perfection. Marshall recounts how a single misstep—one misplaced word—could cause the entire scene to unravel, a challenge made even more daunting by the excruciating heat. Amid the chaos, the tempting allure of the nearby Caribbean waters is a constant, almost mocking reminder of the escape that lies just beyond the set.

Adding to the on-set tribulations, former EastEnders star Don Gilet, who now portrays the lead detective on Saint Marie in the series’ latest chapter, shared a similar sentiment with BBC News. He revealed that the unbearable heat often makes him yearn for a quick dip in the sea, a refreshing swimming pool, or even an ice-cold beer—whichever is closest to provide immediate relief.

For Kris Marshall, these intense, sweat-drenched days are behind him now. With the spin-off Beyond Paradise entering its third season, Marshall has transitioned to filming in the more temperate climates of Devon and Cornwall. He expressed his delight in reuniting with familiar faces from the original series, emphasizing the joy of being able to return home on weekends—a welcome change from the relentless Caribbean heat.

However, the struggles of filming in such extreme conditions are not entirely a thing of the past. The overwhelming success of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise has spurred the creation of another spin-off, Return to Paradise, this time set against the contrasting backdrop of Australia. This new venture promises its own set of challenges, hinting that the unpredictable nature of on-set production is a constant companion in the world of television drama.

Conclusion

In summary, Kris Marshall’s candid revelations about the on-set struggles during the filming of Beyond Paradise provide a rare glimpse into the realities behind the glamour. The challenges of working in extreme Caribbean conditions—balancing unbearable heat, humidity, and the demands of precise performance—contrast sharply with the show's serene, sunlit visuals. Yet, these difficulties have only deepened the authenticity and emotional resonance of the series, making it a fan-favorite among enthusiasts of detective dramas. Flickcores remains your go-to source for the latest, in-depth insights into the evolving landscape of television, delivering updates and expert analysis on all your beloved shows.

FAQ

Q: What are the main on-set challenges Kris Marshall faced while filming Beyond Paradise?
A: Kris Marshall highlighted the extreme heat, oppressive humidity, and the difficulty of performing intricate scenes under harsh studio lights that mimic natural sunlight.

Q: Why does the production choose to film during the Caribbean rainy season?
A: Filming during the off-peak, rainy season reduces costs since it is the low tourist season, despite the resulting challenging weather conditions.

Q: How does the intense heat affect the filming process?
A: The high temperatures force actors to repeatedly deliver complex lines, as even a minor mistake can unravel a scene, while the interior sets are overly bright and hot due to extensive artificial lighting.

Q: What changes have occurred in filming locations for Beyond Paradise?
A: Kris Marshall is now filming in the milder climates of Devon and Cornwall, allowing for a more comfortable work environment and the ability to return home on weekends.

Q: Is there another spin-off in development?
A: Yes, following the success of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, the show makers have announced a new spin-off, Return to Paradise, set in Australia.

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