BBC confirms Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise Christmas 2025 specials, with full schedules, plots, and cast details.
Introduction
The BBC has officially confirmed its Christmas 2025 plans for Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise. Fans will once again return to St Marie and Shipton Abbott for two festive crime specials airing across consecutive Sundays.
This announcement matters because the Christmas episodes have become a yearly tradition for British crime drama fans. These specials are not filler episodes. They often deliver major story moments, surprise returns, and emotional reveals that carry into the next season.
In 2025, both shows return with high-stakes mysteries, new twists, and familiar faces. The BBC has now clarified when the episodes will air, what the central mysteries involve, and who will lead the investigations.
For viewers planning their holiday TV schedule, this update answers the key questions. When can you watch? What is the story? And why are these episodes important to the wider Death in Paradise universe?
Here is everything confirmed so far.
Historical Background: Christmas in Paradise
The Death in Paradise franchise has made Christmas specials a regular feature over the past decade. These episodes often break from the usual format while keeping the core detective style intact.
Beyond Paradise, the spin-off set in Shipton Abbott, follows a similar approach. Christmas episodes allow writers to blend personal character arcs with unusual cases that fit the festive setting.
In previous years, Christmas specials introduced major character changes, emotional turning points, and crossover hints between shows. Because of this history, fans treat these episodes as essential viewing rather than optional extras.
The 2025 specials continue that tradition.
Key Events and Timeline
Confirmed Broadcast Dates
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Sunday, December 21, 2025
Beyond Paradise Christmas Special
BBC One at 9:00 PM
Streaming on BBC iPlayer -
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Death in Paradise Christmas Special
BBC One at 8:30 PM
Streaming on BBC iPlayer
Why the Schedule Matters
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Episodes air on back-to-back Sundays
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Both are prime-time slots
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Designed for family holiday viewing
Add historical comparison to previous Christmas slots if expanded.
Beyond Paradise Christmas 2025: Plot Breakdown
The Beyond Paradise Christmas 2025 episode begins with a mystery at the Shipton Abbott police station.
Esther discovers a man sitting on the station steps. He has no memory of who he is. The only clue he carries is a photograph of Humphrey.
This discovery pulls the team into a race against time. They must uncover the man’s identity while handling a surge of festive cases across the town.
At the same time:
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Martha works on a secret plan with help from Anne, Zoe, and a special guest
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Kelby tries to assist a man trapped inside a snowman costume
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Unexpected visitors arrive, adding pressure to the team
The episode balances mystery, humor, and emotional tension. A major reveal is teased, suggesting long-term consequences for the characters.
Death in Paradise Christmas 2025: Plot Breakdown
The Death in Paradise Christmas special takes a darker turn.
After an office Christmas party, four co-workers wake up with severe hangovers. They soon discover a stranger has been shot dead in their villa pool.
DI Mervin Wilson leads the investigation, joined by:
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DS Naomi Thomas
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Officer Sebastian Rose
The mystery deepens when the team finds the murder weapon locked in a drawer thousands of miles away in Swindon.
Key unanswered questions include:
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How did the weapon reach St Marie?
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Why does the victim have a reindeer’s name tattooed on his palm?
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Can the suspects be trusted if they claim they never met the victim?
As secrets unfold, the case becomes increasingly complex. An old colleague spending Christmas in the UK may return to help solve the crime.
Expert Commentary: Why These Specials Matter
TV analysts note that Christmas episodes often serve as narrative bridges.
They:
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Test new lead characters
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Reconnect past storylines
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Set emotional stakes for upcoming seasons
The 2025 specials appear designed to do exactly that. With darker themes, unusual mysteries, and hints of returning characters, these episodes may shape the direction of both series moving forward.
Public Reaction and Fan Expectations
Fans have reacted positively to the confirmed schedules and plot summaries.
Common reactions include:
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Excitement over darker mysteries
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Interest in possible returning characters
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Appreciation for consistent holiday scheduling
Social media discussion suggests viewers see these episodes as part of their Christmas routine, not just entertainment but tradition.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
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Both episodes were produced by BBC Studios
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Filming took place months ahead of broadcast
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Writing focused on balancing festive tone with serious crime
These specials aim to stay accessible for casual viewers while rewarding long-term fans.
FAQs
When do the Christmas specials air?
Beyond Paradise airs December 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM.
Death in Paradise airs December 28, 2025, at 8:30 PM.
Will both episodes be on BBC iPlayer?
Yes. Both specials will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Are these episodes important to the main story?
Yes. Christmas specials often include key character developments and future plot hints.
Is there a crossover planned?
While not confirmed, the story hints suggest connections between characters across the shows.
Will there be more Christmas specials next year?
There is hope for a Return to Paradise Christmas special in the future, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Conclusion
The BBC’s Christmas 2025 lineup confirms that Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise remain central to holiday viewing.
With carefully timed broadcasts, strong mystery plots, and emotional storylines, these episodes aim to deliver more than festive filler. They continue long-running traditions while pushing both series forward.
For fans, these specials offer suspense, warmth, and familiar faces during the holiday season. For new viewers, they provide accessible entry points into two of the BBC’s most popular crime dramas.
As Christmas approaches, one thing is clear. Paradise is once again part of the celebration.
Do you think these specials will change the direction of the shows? Share your thoughts below.
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