Kris Marshall pays tribute to BBC Beyond Paradise’s Jamie Bamber with heartfelt statement ahead of return
Beyond Paradise star Kris Marshall has spoken glowingly about his co-star Jamie Bamber ahead of the third series beginning this week.
The 51-year-old actor’s character DI Humphrey Goodman traded the sun-soaked Caribbean for Shipton Abbott in Devon.
The first series, broadcast in early 2023, saw DI Goodman settling down with his fiancée Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton) on the English south coast.
The lovable detective turned his talents, honed on Saint Marie, to solving crimes in Shipton Abbott after joining up with the local force.
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“Humphrey is in a very good place. He’s well-settled in Shipton Abbott, both in his job and personal life,” Marshall reflected warmly about his character.
The next series will see Goodman and Martha adapting to foster parenting while dealing with some high-octane cases – including an “intricate and cleverly written” kidnapping plot.
Series 3 also sees Martha taking a role in her partner’s job, which Marshall identified as one of his character’s tougher challenges.
“He struggles with the emotional toll it takes to see someone he loves potentially involved in something criminal,” the actor said.
Adding further complexity to the couple’s new working relationship is the reemergence of Archie Hughes, a local wine supplier and Martha’s former fiancé.
Jamie Bamber, who plays Hughes, was last seen in the first series and Marshall was overjoyed to see him return – even if Goodman might not be.
“Working with Jamie is fantastic. It’s nice to have another actor of a similar age and experience on set, especially since we have both been in the industry since the 90s,” he glowed.
“While we didn’t know each other well back then, we have a lot of mutual friends, and it’s great to have someone around who shares that history.
“Jamie is a seasoned actor and a lovely person who brings a lot of fun to the set. We get along really well and it’s always a pleasure working with him,” he added.
Bamber himself admitted he “couldn’t have been more delighted” to be back on Beyond Paradise.
“I love that part of the world and I love all the people involved. It’s such a warm-hearted work environment. The vibe you get on-screen is very much echoed behind the camera,” he praised.
The actor explained: “For me, the real heart of the show is the relationships and character arcs.”
He concluded: “They’re three-dimensional – navigating love, loss, illness and life’s ups and downs. That’s where Archie operates. He’s part of that beating heart of the show.”