Beyond Paradise Season 4 Filming Update: What We Know So Far

 Beyond Paradise Season 4 filming has started in Cornwall! Get the latest on Humphrey Goodman’s return, cast updates, and what to expect. Read now!

Introduction

Fans of Beyond Paradise, the cozy Death in Paradise spin-off, are buzzing with excitement. Filming for Season 4 has reportedly kicked off in Cornwall, even though the BBC hasn’t officially confirmed it yet. If you’re hooked on DI Humphrey Goodman’s quirky crime-solving in the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott, this is big news.

 The show, starring Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton, has been a hit since its 2023 debut, pulling in 8.7 million viewers for its first episode. Now, with Season 3 wrapped in May 2025, behind-the-scenes chatter from fans on platforms like Facebook points to production already underway. Why does this matter? It signals more mysteries, more heart, and more of that West Country charm. Let’s break down what we know, what’s coming, and why this show keeps us glued to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Filming for Season 4: What’s Happening?

Filming updates for Beyond Paradise Season 4 have been trickling in, mostly from eagle-eyed fans rather than official BBC statements. A Facebook fan account shared photos of a “BP Unit” sign at St Mellion Golf Club in Cornwall, where production trailers and lorries are parked. Another fan spotted a notice from the show’s production company, Red Planet Pictures, stating that filming would run from July to November 2025 in various Cornish locations. 

The notice mentioned that scenes might be recorded for a TV program, with anyone entering the area consenting to appear on screen. This suggests a typical five-month shooting schedule, aligning with past seasons that filmed from summer to fall for a spring release. Why does this matter? Early filming means the show’s on track for a likely March or April 2026 premiere, following the pattern of Season 3’s March 28, 2025 start. But without BBC confirmation, there’s a risk of delays or misinterpretation of these fan reports. If production falters, we might not see new episodes until later in 2026.

Who’s Returning for Season 4?

The core cast is expected to return, with Kris Marshall leading as the lovable, slightly chaotic DI Humphrey Goodman. Sally Bretton will likely reprise her role as Martha Lloyd, Humphrey’s fiancée, navigating their fostering journey and personal challenges. Other regulars include Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, and Barbara Flynn as Martha’s opinionated mother, Anne Lloyd. Jamie Bamber’s return as Archie Hughes, Martha’s ex, is less certain after his absence in Season 2, but his Season 3 comeback stirred drama, so he could pop up again. 

Casting matters because the chemistry between these characters drives the show’s charm. A common mistake in spin-offs is shaking up the cast too much, which can alienate fans. If Beyond Paradise loses key players like Marshall or Bretton, it risks diluting the heart that keeps viewers coming back. Expect guest stars like Hugh Dennis or Caroline Quentin, who appeared in Season 3, to set the tone for more big names.

What Can We Expect from the Plot?

Plot details for Season 4 are under wraps, but the show’s formula—quirky crimes, personal drama, and West Country vibes—will likely hold. Season 3 tackled cases like a river body, chocolate box poisoning, and a farming feud, blending humor with emotional stakes like Humphrey and Martha’s fostering struggles. Season 4 will probably deliver similar oddball mysteries, maybe a stolen artifact or a village festival gone wrong, given Shipton Abbott’s cozy setting. The fostering storyline could deepen, especially after Season 3’s bittersweet farewell to their foster child, Rosie./

 Archie’s return might stir more tension, though fans hope the show keeps Humphrey and Martha’s bond strong, as Sally Bretton noted in a RadioTimes interview: “People enjoy seeing that sort of relationship.” A misstep would be overloading the drama at the expense of the lighthearted crime-solving that defines the show. If the writers lean too dark, they could lose the cozy appeal that sets Beyond Paradise apart from grittier dramas.

Why Cornwall? The Filming Locations

Beyond Paradise is set in the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott, but it’s mostly filmed in Cornwall, particularly Looe, Polperro, and Fowey. Looe’s Fore Street doubles as Shipton Abbott’s market square, and the Guildhall serves as the police station. Pentillie Castle and Estate provide the houseboat and quay scenes, while Saltash’s Weary Friar Inn has been used for pub shots. These locations matter because they give the show its distinct West Country flavor, different from Death in Paradise’s Caribbean backdrop. Choosing Cornwall over Devon avoids comparisons to shows like Doc Martin, but some fans criticize the “generic West Country accent” used by actors, calling it lazy writing. Filming in Cornwall also boosts local tourism, putting places like Looe on the map. A mistake would be over-relying on stereotypes about rural life, which could alienate viewers who know the region. If the show ignores Cornwall’s real culture, it risks feeling inauthentic.

The Show’s Place in the Death in Paradise Universe

Beyond Paradise is part of a thriving franchise, alongside Death in Paradise (now filming Season 15) and Return to Paradise. Its 8.7 million viewers for the Season 1 premiere show it’s a hit, and Zahra Ahmadi told Yahoo News she thinks it could run for 14 seasons like its parent show. This matters because the franchise’s success gives Beyond Paradise room to grow, but it also faces pressure to stand out. Unlike Death in Paradise’s tropical murders, Beyond Paradise focuses on lighter crimes—think burglaries or poisonings—paired with personal stories. A common mistake is leaning too heavily on the original show’s formula, which some fans felt Season 1 did by dragging in Archie too soon. If Season 4 doesn’t carve its own path, it could feel like a rehash. The Red Nose Day 2025 crossover with Not Going Out, featuring Sally Bretton and Lee Mack, shows the show’s willingness to experiment, which could keep things fresh.

Challenges and Fan Expectations

Fans love Beyond Paradise for Humphrey’s goofy charm and the cozy mysteries, but they’ve voiced gripes. Some, as seen in IMDb reviews, want less relationship drama and more focus on Shipton Abbott’s locals and setting. Others dislike the “dumb village idiot” stereotypes, which feel outdated. Season 4 needs to balance personal arcs—like Humphrey and Martha’s fostering—with clever cases that highlight the team’s skills. Zahra Ahmadi’s enthusiasm for the show’s potential suggests the cast is invested, but they’ll need to avoid overcomplicating plots. If the show ignores fan feedback and piles on soap-opera elements, it could lose its core audience. Executive producer Tim Key called Season 3 the “strongest yet,” so Season 4 will need to top that with fresh stories and heart. A Christmas special in December 2025 is also likely, given the show’s history, which could tease Season 4’s direction.

FAQs

Has Beyond Paradise Season 4 Been Officially Confirmed?

As of July 2025, the BBC hasn’t officially greenlit Season 4, but fan reports of filming in Cornwall, including a “BP Unit” sign and a production notice for July to November, suggest it’s underway. The show’s strong viewership (5 million for Season 3’s premiere) and the Death in Paradise franchise’s success make renewal likely. Expect a March or April 2026 premiere if confirmed.

Where Is Beyond Paradise Season 4 Being Filmed?

Filming is happening in Cornwall, with Looe as the main hub for Shipton Abbott’s scenes. St Mellion Golf Club is a base for production trailers, and other spots like Polperro, Fowey, and Pentillie Castle have been used before. These locations give the show its coastal charm but spark debate among fans who notice the Devon-Cornwall mismatch.

Who Will Star in Season 4?

Kris Marshall (Humphrey Goodman), Sally Bretton (Martha Lloyd), Zahra Ahmadi (Esther Williams), Dylan Llewellyn (Kelby Hartford), Felicity Montagu (Margo Martins), and Barbara Flynn (Anne Lloyd) are expected to return. Jamie Bamber’s Archie Hughes might appear, but it’s unconfirmed. Guest stars like Hugh Dennis could set the tone for new faces.

What Will Season 4’s Plot Focus On?

No official details yet, but expect quirky crimes like thefts or local disputes, alongside Humphrey and Martha’s fostering journey. Season 3’s emotional finale, with Rosie leaving, suggests deeper personal stakes. Fans hope for less heavy drama and more focus on Shipton Abbott’s community to keep the cozy vibe.

Will There Be a Christmas Special in 2025?

Given Beyond Paradise’s history of festive episodes in 2023 and 2024, a December 2025 Christmas special is likely. It could bridge Seasons 3 and 4, teasing new mysteries or personal arcs for Humphrey and Martha. No confirmation yet, but it’s a safe bet based on past patterns.

Conclusion

Beyond Paradise Season 4 is shaping up to be another dose of cozy crime-solving, with filming reportedly underway in Cornwall from July to November 2025. Kris Marshall and the core cast are likely back, bringing more mysteries and heart to Shipton Abbott. While the BBC hasn’t confirmed it, fan sightings and the show’s strong track record—8.7 million viewers for Season 1—point to a spring 2026 return. The challenge is balancing quirky cases with personal stories without losing the show’s charm. Whether you’re a Death in Paradise fan or new to Humphrey’s world, Season 4 promises more reasons to tune in. Share your thoughts on what you want to see in Shipton Abbott below