Beyond Paradise Christmas Special 2025 Review: Heart, Humor, and Big Surprises

The Beyond Paradise Christmas Special 2025, which aired on December 21, 2025, has quickly earned praise as one of the show’s most emotional and rewarding festive episodes so far. Viewers and critics alike have described it as a warm, feel-good hour that balances gentle comedy with genuinely touching storytelling.

At the center of the episode is a long-awaited moment for fans. Martha Lloyd and Humphrey Goodman finally get married. This time, there are no interruptions. After their failed attempt in the Season 2 finale, Martha quietly plans a secret wedding that ends with the couple officially becoming husband and wife. The moment feels earned, calm, and deeply satisfying.

One of the biggest surprises comes with the return of Selwyn Patterson. Former Death in Paradise commissioner Don Warrington appears in Shipton Abbott as Humphrey’s best man, marking the first on-screen reunion between the characters in eight years. The crossover feels natural and emotional, rather than forced, and adds weight to the celebration.

The episode’s emotional core comes from a powerful guest storyline. Adrian Edmondson plays a man found outside the police station with no memory, holding only a photo of Humphrey. His dementia-led storyline, focused on finding his long-lost sister, delivers some of the special’s most moving scenes.

Meanwhile, Margo Martins is given rare depth when suspicion falls on her nephew, Robert. The case reveals a protective and vulnerable side of Margo that viewers don’t often see. Lighter moments balance the drama, including a memorable scene involving a man trapped inside a snowman costume after a prank goes badly wrong.

The episode also plants seeds for the future. During the wedding reception, Selwyn receives a call from DI Mervin Wilson in Saint Marie, directly setting up the Death in Paradise Season 15 Christmas special.

Subplots involving Esther Williams and Archie Hughes, plus several smaller holiday crimes, keep the pace lively. Guest stars James Lance and Jonny Weldon blend easily into the cast, adding fresh energy.

Overall, the special is uplifting, emotional, and festive without going too far. While some moments lean into classic Christmas sentiment, most viewers agree it strikes the right balance.

The Beyond Paradise Christmas Special 2025 is now streaming on BBC iPlayer and will arrive on BritBox for international audiences.

Did the surprise wedding live up to expectations?
How did you feel about Selwyn’s return and the Death in Paradise link?