Introduction

Sally Bretton’s departure from Death in Paradise in 2017 hit fans hard. As Martha Lloyd, she won hearts as the love interest of DI Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall. Her exit wasn’t just a plot twist—it sparked conversations about her time on the show and her surprising return in the spin-off Beyond Paradise. 

Why does this matter? Because Bretton’s story shows how actors navigate emotional roles, short guest stints, and the pull of fan-favorite shows. Her candid interviews, like the one on This Morning in 2025, reveal a human side to TV exits—actors often feel the same attachment fans do. Let’s dig into why she left, how she felt, and what’s next for her in Beyond Paradise. This isn’t just gossip; it’s about the real challenges of acting in a beloved series.

Why Sally Bretton Left Death in Paradise

Sally Bretton’s role as Martha Lloyd in Death in Paradise was brief but impactful. She joined in 2015, appearing in five episodes across seasons five and six. Her character, an old friend of Humphrey Goodman, rekindled a romance that led him to leave Saint Marie for London. This exit was scripted—Martha was a guest star, not a permanent fixture. According to a 2019 Express article, her departure was planned from the start, as her role was designed to facilitate Humphrey’s exit. 

Why does this matter? Guest roles often serve specific narrative purposes, but they can leave actors and fans wanting more. Bretton herself admitted on This Morning in 2025 that she wasn’t ready to leave, saying, “No!” when asked if she was relieved to finish filming in the Caribbean. She loved the experience, filming for four to five weeks in Guadeloupe without hurricanes, calling it “amazing.” A common mistake? Fans assuming actors want to leave when their role ends. The consequence? Misunderstanding the emotional toll of short stints. Her exit wasn’t her choice—it was the story’s.

The Emotional Weight of Leaving a Hit Show

Leaving a show like Death in Paradise isn’t just a job change—it’s emotional. Bretton’s 2025 This Morning interview highlighted her reluctance to depart. She described her time in Guadeloupe as “the perfect time,” with no complaints about the stunning location. Why does this matter? Actors often form bonds with casts, crews, and settings, making exits bittersweet. For Bretton, playing Martha opposite Kris Marshall’s quirky Humphrey was “sweet” and “endearing,” as she told What’s On TV in 2019.

 A common mistake is thinking actors can easily detach from roles. In reality, short stints can feel rushed—Bretton was only there for weeks, not months. The consequence of leaving too soon? Actors miss out on deeper character development, and fans feel the loss. Her comments show she craved more time to explore Martha’s story, a sentiment echoed by fans on X posts in June 2025, who called her exit “heartbreaking.” This emotional pull makes her return in Beyond Paradise even more meaningful.

The Move to Beyond Paradise: A New Chapter

When Beyond Paradise was announced, Bretton jumped at the chance to reprise Martha. In a 2025 This Morning interview, she recalled getting the call during lockdown: “I was like, ‘Oh my God!’” The spin-off, which premiered in 2023, follows Martha and Humphrey in Shipton Abbott, Devon, tackling fostering and new crimes. Why does this matter? It shows how actors seize opportunities to revisit beloved roles. 

The show’s tone mirrors Death in Paradise—light, with crime and fun—but it’s set in a new, picturesque location. Bretton noted in a Wales Online article that Martha’s business, 10 Mile Kitchen, got a bigger venue in season three, reflecting growth. A mistake? Assuming spin-offs just rehash old shows. Beyond Paradise carves its own path, focusing on family and fostering. If mishandled, it could alienate Death in Paradise fans, but Bretton’s enthusiasm and the show’s 2025 viewership (millions weekly on BBC One) prove it works.

Challenges of Playing Martha Lloyd

Playing Martha required balancing romance, drama, and growth. In Death in Paradise, Martha was Humphrey’s sensitive, gentle match, as Bretton told What’s On TV in 2019. In Beyond Paradise, she’s a business owner and foster parent, navigating emotional challenges like saying goodbye to foster daughter Rosie in season three’s finale. Why does this matter? Actors must adapt to evolving roles across shows. Bretton explained in a 2025 Wales Online interview that Martha’s fostering role was overwhelming, juggling business and caregiving. 

A common mistake is underestimating the emotional prep for such scenes—Bretton had to convey raw grief in Rosie’s farewell. If not done authentically, it risks feeling flat, alienating viewers. Her performance, praised on X in March 2025 for its “heartfelt” delivery, shows she nailed it. The consequence of nailing these roles?))^ is deeper connection with fans, as seen in Beyond Paradise’s growing ratings (over 7 million viewers per episode in 2025, per BBC iPlayer data).

The Impact of Fan Reactions and Expectations

Fans play a huge role in shaping an actor’s experience. When Bretton left Death in Paradise, X posts in 2017 (archived data) showed fans begging for Martha’s return, calling her chemistry with Humphrey “perfect.” This pressure can weigh on actors. Bretton’s 2025 This Morning comments about loving her role suggest she felt the fan love but also the challenge of meeting expectations. Why does this matter? Fan reactions can influence career moves. 

Bretton’s return in Beyond Paradise was partly driven by fan demand, as producer Tim Key noted in a 2023 Wales Online article, citing her chemistry with Marshall. A mistake? Ignoring fan feedback, which can sink a show. The consequence? Beyond Paradise thrives, with a 2025 Red Nose Day crossover with Not Going Out boosting buzz, per Wales Online. Actors must balance fan expectations with creative choices, and Bretton’s openness about her reluctance to leave shows she gets it.

Balancing Multiple Roles: Not Going Out and Beyond

Bretton’s also known for Not Going Out, playing Lucy since 2006. In June 2025, Wales Online reported a medical emergency on set—an appendectomy after filming—showing the physical toll of her dual roles. Why does this matter? Juggling long-running shows (Not Going Out hit 100 episodes in 2025) and Beyond Paradise demands stamina. 

A mistake is overcommitting, leading to burnout or weak performances. Bretton’s ability to maintain both roles—Lucy’s sharp wit and Martha’s gentle warmth—shows her range. The consequence of failure? Losing credibility in one or both shows. Her Not Going Out co-star Lee Mack praised their “emotional” journey in 2025, reflecting their bond, which mirrors her Beyond Paradise chemistry. This balance keeps fans engaged across genres, with Not Going Out’s 14th season set for June 2025.

The Future of Martha Lloyd in Beyond Paradise

What’s next for Martha? Season three of Beyond Paradise, airing in 2025, sees her fostering and running a bigger restaurant, per Wales Online. Bretton teased in a March 2025 interview that Martha and Humphrey face “challenging dynamics” with foster child Rosie. Why does this matter? It shows Martha’s evolving role, keeping fans hooked. 

A mistake would be stagnating her character—fans want growth, as X posts in April 2025 noted, praising her “depth.” The consequence of stagnation? Losing viewers, especially with Death in Paradise’s 10 million global viewers (BBC data, 2025). Bretton’s commitment, shown in her lockdown excitement for the spin-off, suggests she’ll push Martha further. With a fourth season unconfirmed but teased by Kris Marshall in Wales Online, the future looks bright.

FAQs

Why did Sally Bretton leave Death in Paradise?

Sally Bretton left Death in Paradise in 2017 because her role as Martha Lloyd was a guest stint meant to wrap up Humphrey Goodman’s storyline. She appeared in five episodes across seasons five and six, with her character moving to London with Humphrey. She told This Morning in 2025 she wasn’t ready to leave, loving the Guadeloupe filming experience. Her exit was scripted, not her choice.

How does Beyond Paradise differ from Death in Paradise?

Beyond Paradise keeps the light, crime-solving tone of Death in Paradise but shifts to Shipton Abbott, Devon, focusing on Martha and Humphrey’s fostering and personal life. Bretton noted in 2025 that it has a “gentler” comedy than her other show, Not Going Out. It’s less tropical, more rural, with new challenges like fostering, per Wales Online. Viewership hit 7 million in 2025.

What challenges did Sally Bretton face playing Martha?

Bretton faced emotional and logistical challenges as Martha. In Beyond Paradise season three, she tackled heavy fostering scenes, like Rosie’s goodbye, requiring deep emotional work. She told Wales Online in 2025 that Martha’s balancing of business and caregiving was “a lot.” Mistakes in emotional authenticity could weaken fan connection. Her praised performance kept viewers engaged.

How do fans influence Sally Bretton’s roles?

Fans heavily influence Bretton’s career. X posts in 2017 and 2025 showed love for Martha, pushing for her Beyond Paradise return. Producer Tim Key cited her chemistry with Kris Marshall as a spin-off driver in 2023. Ignoring fans could’ve limited her return. Her engagement with fan feedback, per This Morning 2025, strengthens her roles.

What’s the future for Martha in Beyond Paradise?

Martha’s future in Beyond Paradise involves deeper fostering challenges and business growth, per a 2025 Wales Online interview. Season three, aired March 2025, introduced a new restaurant venue. Bretton hinted at complex dynamics with foster child Rosie. A fourth season is unconfirmed but teased by Kris Marshall. Fans on X in April 2025 praised her evolving role.

Conclusion

Sally Bretton’s exit from Death in Paradise wasn’t just a plot point—it was a moment that stuck with her and fans. Her 2017 departure as Martha Lloyd, driven by the story’s need, left her wanting more, as she shared on This Morning in 2025. Her return in Beyond Paradise shows how actors and fans can shape a show’s future. 

From emotional fostering scenes to juggling Not Going Out, Bretton’s journey is about resilience and range. Mistakes like ignoring fan love or overcommitting could’ve derailed her, but she’s thriving. Check out Beyond Paradise on BBC iPlayer to see her latest work, and share your thoughts on her exit below!