Beyond Paradise Season 4: Filming Update and What’s Next

 Beyond Paradise Season 4 is filming in Cornwall! Get details on the cast, plot speculation, and why it matters. Read now!

Introduction

If you’re a fan of Beyond Paradise, the Death in Paradise spin-off, you’re probably thrilled to hear that Season 4 is in the works. Filming started in Cornwall this July 2025, according to fan posts on Facebook and a report from The Express. The show, which follows DI Humphrey Goodman’s quirky crime-solving in the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott, has been a hit since its 2023 debut, pulling in 8.7 million viewers for its first episode. 

Kris Marshall’s charm and the cozy mysteries keep fans hooked, but what’s next for Humphrey and Martha? Why does this matter? It’s not just about more episodes—it’s about the show’s role in boosting Cornwall’s tourism and keeping the Death in Paradise universe alive. Let’s dig into the latest filming updates, cast expectations, and what Season 4 might bring.

Filming Kicks Off in Cornwall

Filming for Beyond Paradise Season 4 is underway, with production running from July to November 2025, per a notice from Red Planet Pictures spotted by fans. A Facebook post showed a “BP Unit” sign at St Mellion Golf Club in Cornwall, where trailers and lorries are parked, signaling active shooting. This aligns with the show’s typical schedule—Season 3 filmed from August 2024 to December and aired in March 2025. 

Cornwall’s Looe, Polperro, and Fowey stand in for Shipton Abbott, giving the show its coastal charm. Why’s this important? Filming drives local tourism, with businesses like Looe’s Sardine Factory reporting booking spikes after appearing as “Ten Mile Kitchen” in Season 3. A mistake would be underusing these vibrant locations, which could weaken the show’s unique vibe. If production delays hit, we might wait longer than the expected spring 2026 premiere.

Who’s Back for Season 4?

The core cast is expected to return, led by Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, whose bumbling genius anchors the show. Sally Bretton will likely reprise Martha Lloyd, Humphrey’s fiancée, with their fostering journey a key focus. Zahra Ahmadi (DS Esther Williams), Dylan Llewellyn (PC Kelby Hartford), Felicity Montagu (Margo Martins), and Barbara Flynn (Anne Lloyd) are also set to return, based on their consistent presence. Jamie Bamber’s Archie Hughes, Martha’s ex, might reappear after stirring drama in Season 3, though his role is unconfirmed. 

Guest stars like Hugh Dennis and Caroline Quentin in Season 3 set a high bar, so expect similar big names. Casting matters because the ensemble’s chemistry drives the show’s heart. A misstep—like dropping a key character—could disrupt fan loyalty. If the show leans too heavily on guest stars, it risks overshadowing the main cast’s stories.

What Will Season 4’s Plot Cover?

No official plot details are out yet, but Beyond Paradise thrives on quirky crimes and personal drama. Season 3 featured cases like a river body and chocolate box poisoning, alongside Humphrey and Martha’s fostering challenges. Season 4 will likely follow suit with oddball mysteries—maybe a stolen village relic or a festival mishap—set against Shipton Abbott’s cozy backdrop. The fostering arc could deepen after Season 3’s emotional farewell to foster child Rosie, as Sally Bretton told RadioTimes: “People enjoy seeing that sort of relationship.” 

Archie’s return could spark tension, but fans want Humphrey and Martha’s bond to stay strong. A common mistake is overloading personal drama, which some fans criticized in Season 3’s IVF storyline. If Season 4 tips too far into soap-opera territory, it could lose its lighthearted crime-solving appeal. Expect a Christmas special in December 2025 to tease what’s coming.

Cornwall’s Role as a Star

Though set in Devon’s fictional Shipton Abbott, Beyond Paradise is mostly filmed in Cornwall. Looe’s Fore Street plays the market square, the Guildhall is the police station, and Port Eliot House hosts Martha’s café scenes. Other spots like Pentillie Castle and Saltash’s Weary Friar Inn add flavor. These locations aren’t just pretty—they’re economic boosters. A BBC report noted Looe’s tourism surge, with businesses like the Sardine Factory seeing more visitors after being featured. Kris Marshall loves filming at Rame Head and Mothecombe Beach, calling them “stunning” in a BBC press pack. A mistake is leaning into stereotypes, like the “generic West Country accent” some IMDb reviews slammed as lazy. If the show ignores Cornwall’s real culture, it risks feeling inauthentic. Filming in Cornwall also means navigating local schedules—disruptions could annoy residents and hurt goodwill.

The Death in Paradise Franchise Connection

Beyond Paradise is a key part of the Death in Paradise universe, alongside the main show (now filming Season 15) and Return to Paradise. Its 8.7 million viewers for the Season 1 premiere prove its pull, and Zahra Ahmadi told Yahoo News it could match the original’s 14-season run. This matters because the franchise’s success gives Beyond Paradise creative freedom, but it also faces pressure to stand out. Unlike Death in Paradise’s tropical murders, it focuses on lighter crimes like thefts or feuds, paired with personal stories. A Season 1 misstep was rushing Archie’s drama, which some fans felt echoed the original too closely. Season 4 needs fresh cases and character growth to avoid feeling repetitive. The Red Nose Day 2025 crossover with Not Going Out showed its playful side, which could keep things lively if continued.

Fan Hopes and Challenges

Fans love Humphrey’s goofy charm and the cozy mysteries, but they’ve got notes. IMDb reviews criticize the “dumb village idiot” stereotypes and want more focus on Shipton Abbott’s locals over heavy drama like fostering or IVF. Season 4 must balance these arcs with clever cases that showcase the team’s skills, like Esther’s stoic problem-solving or Kelby’s growth. Zahra Ahmadi’s optimism about the show’s longevity suggests the cast’s commitment, but ignoring fan feedback could alienate viewers. Executive producer Tim Key called Season 3 the “strongest yet,” so Season 4 has a high bar. A Christmas special could set the tone, but overcomplicating plots risks losing the show’s warm, accessible vibe. Fans also want more Cornwall authenticity—less generic accents, more local flavor. If the show nails this, it could solidify its fanbase.

FAQs

Is Beyond Paradise Season 4 Officially Confirmed?

The BBC hasn’t confirmed Season 4, but filming from July to November 2025, as reported by The Express, suggests it’s happening. Fan photos of a “BP Unit” sign and a production notice back this up. Season 3’s 5 million premiere viewers make renewal likely. Expect a spring 2026 release, possibly March or April, following past patterns.

Where Is Season 4 Being Filmed?

Filming is in Cornwall, with Looe as Shipton Abbott’s main stand-in. St Mellion Golf Club houses production trailers, and spots like Polperro and Port Eliot House are likely used again. Cornwall’s coastal charm boosts tourism but sparks debate over the Devon setting, which some fans find odd.

Who’s in the Season 4 Cast?

Kris Marshall (Humphrey), Sally Bretton (Martha), Zahra Ahmadi (Esther), Dylan Llewellyn (Kelby), Felicity Montagu (Margo), and Barbara Flynn (Anne) are expected back. Jamie Bamber’s Archie is a maybe after Season 3’s drama. Guest stars like Hugh Dennis could return. No official announcements yet.

What Will Season 4’s Stories Be About?

Details are scarce, but expect quirky crimes like thefts or village disputes, plus Humphrey and Martha’s fostering arc. Season 3’s lighter tone—think chocolate box poisoning—will likely continue, but fans want less heavy drama. A Christmas special might hint at new plots. Overloading soap-opera elements could alienate viewers.

Will There Be a 2025 Christmas Special?

Beyond Paradise had specials in 2023 and 2024, so a December 2025 episode is likely. It could bridge Seasons 3 and 4, teasing new mysteries or Humphrey’s next case. No confirmation yet, but the pattern suggests it’s coming.

How Does Beyond Paradise Impact Cornwall?

The show boosts tourism, with Looe businesses like the Sardine Factory seeing more visitors after being featured. Filming from July to November brings economic benefits but can disrupt locals. Authenticity matters—fans criticize generic accents, wanting more real Cornish culture.

Conclusion

Beyond Paradise Season 4 is filming now in Cornwall, promising more of Humphrey Goodman’s quirky crime-solving by spring 2026. With Kris Marshall, Sally Bretton, and the Shipton Abbott crew likely back, fans are eager for fresh mysteries and less heavy drama. Cornwall’s stunning locations, from Looe to Rame Head, keep the show’s charm alive while boosting local tourism. The Death in Paradise spin-off must balance its cozy roots with new stories to stay fresh. Got predictions for Season 4? Drop them in the comments!