Death in Paradise & Beyond Paradise 2025 Christmas Specials: Official BBC Dates, Cast Lists, and First Plot Details

The BBC has confirmed the air dates for the 2025 Christmas specials of Death in Paradise and its spin-off Beyond Paradise, scheduling Beyond Paradise to premiere on December 21 at 9 p.m. and Death in Paradise on December 28 at 8:30 p.m. on BBC One, with both episodes available for streaming on BBC iPlayer to deliver festive mysteries blending holiday cheer with intricate crimes.

Key Highlights

• Beyond Paradise airs first on December 21 at 9 p.m., featuring DI Humphrey Goodman investigating an amnesiac man holding his photo amid seasonal chaos in Shipton Abbott.
• Death in Paradise follows on December 28 at 8:30 p.m., centering on a locked-room-style murder at a Christmas party in Saint Marie, with the weapon inexplicably located in Swindon.
• Both 90-minute specials include star-studded guest casts and will stream immediately on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers.

"The team gets to work to uncover who the mysterious man is while balancing a flurry of festive cases," the BBC said in its official synopsis for Beyond Paradise, highlighting the episode's mix of intrigue and heartwarming moments.

Beyond Paradise Plot and Cast Details

In the Beyond Paradise special, DI Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall, faces a busy holiday period when a man with amnesia is found clutching a photo of him. Meanwhile, Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) enlists help from Anne and Zoe for a secret plan, while PC Kelby Hartford assists a man trapped in a snowman costume. The episode promises unexpected visitors, holiday crimes, a reunion, and a life-changing revelation.

Returning cast members include Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, Barbara Flynn, Felicity Montagu, Jamie Bamber, and Melina Sinadinou. Guest stars feature Adrian Edmondson, James Lance, and Jonny Weldon, adding comedic and dramatic flair to the Devon setting.

Death in Paradise Plot and Cast Details

One week later, Death in Paradise shifts to Saint Marie, where four co-workers wake from a hangover to find a stranger shot dead in their villa's pool. DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his team identify the murder weapon but remain baffled as it was locked in a drawer thousands of miles away in Swindon. Wilson also contends with personal news about a long-lost brother, complicating his holiday spirit.

The core team includes Shantol Jackson as DS Naomi Thomas, Ginny Holder as Officer Darlene Curtis, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose, and Élizabeth Bourgine as Catherine Bordey. Guest appearances come from Josie Lawrence, Kate Ashfield, Pearl Mackie, James Baxter, Billy Harris, Oriana Charles, and Alix Serman.

Viewing Information

Both specials will broadcast on BBC One and be available on demand via BBC iPlayer immediately after airing. International viewers can access them through platforms like BritBox, though exact dates outside the UK remain to be announced.

What This Means for Fans

These back-to-back specials reinforce the enduring appeal of the Death in Paradise franchise, which consistently draws millions of viewers with its blend of escapism, humor, and clever puzzles during the holiday season. The confirmed scheduling provides a structured festive viewing experience, building anticipation from the snowy Devon mysteries of Beyond Paradise to the sun-soaked intrigue of Saint Marie. With high-profile guests and emotional family storylines, the episodes are poised to boost viewership and spark online discussions, solidifying the series as a staple of BBC holiday programming amid competition from other seasonal dramas.