Cast of Beyond Paradise: Guest Stars, Departures, Locations

The cast of Beyond Paradise is as much a draw as the mysteries, with a mix of returning regulars and poignant guest appearances like Ruth Madoc’s final role. Here’s a complete guide to the cast, behind-the-scenes changes, and where the show is filmed.

Main cast members: 5 · Filmed in: Cornwall, England · Notable guest star: Ruth Madoc as Rosie Colbert · Spinoff of: Death in Paradise · Number of seasons: 4 (as of 2026)

The show’s production details are straightforward.

Who are the guest stars on Beyond Paradise?

Notable guest stars including Ruth Madoc

The BBC announced a long list of guest stars for the returning series, including Peter Davison, Kevin Bishop, Adam Fogerty, Emma Fielding, Dan Renton Skinner, Paul Bradley, Peter Landi, Abi Clarke, Emily Lloyd-Saini, Danny Webb, Nicholas Woodeson, Malcolm Storry, Carolyn Pickles, Jeff Rawle, Jayde Adams, Souad Faress and Charlie Baker (BBC Media Centre (official press release)). Among them, Ruth Madoc’s appearance as Rosie Colbert stands out as her final television role before her death in December 2022 (Wales Online).

Season 1 and 2 guest appearances

In addition to the major names, the first two seasons featured appearances from actors like Jamie Bamber and Phil Daniels (Entertainment Daily (celebrity news)). The show’s IMDb page lists a full cast and crew, confirming the breadth of guest talent (IMDb (film database)).

The pattern: Beyond Paradise leans heavily on experienced British character actors to fill its small-town mystery format, giving each episode a distinct flavour.

Who’s leaving Beyond Paradise?

Why is Zoe leaving Beyond Paradise?

In the season finale, a character named Zoe (played by a guest actress) reportedly departs the show, setting up a new dynamic for the next season. The exact reason hasn’t been fully detailed by the BBC, but the departure is linked to a storyline twist involving the café and Martha’s family. According to Cosmopolitan UK (lifestyle magazine), the finale leaves a cliffhanger that will reshape the cast for season 4.

Why was Dwayne dropped from Death in Paradise?

Fans often ask about Dwayne, a character who didn’t make the jump from the parent show. The series opted for a fresh supporting cast, introducing PC Kelby Hartford (Dylan Llewellyn) and DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi) instead of carrying over characters from Death in Paradise.

The departure sets up a new dynamic for season 4, keeping the cast fresh.

Where is Beyond Paradise actually filmed?

Filming locations in Cornwall

The show’s fictional town of Shipton Abbott is set in Devon, but the vast majority of exterior scenes are filmed in Cornwall. Looe is the primary filming location, repeatedly cited by production sources (Wales Online). Additional South West locations include Launceston, Buckfastleigh, Mothecombe, Tavistock, Charlestown, and Saltash (Cosmopolitan UK).

Is the cafe in Beyond Paradise real?

Yes. The café that serves as a central meeting point for the characters is actually a real bakery in Port Isaac called The Old Bakery (BBC News). It’s a working business, and fans can visit in person.

The implication: The show’s authenticity comes from using real, lived-in locations rather than studio sets, giving the series a tangible sense of place that viewers can experience.

Was Ruth Madoc in Beyond Paradise?

Her role as Rosie Colbert

Ruth Madoc appeared in the second episode of Series 1, which aired on March 3, 2023, as Rosie Colbert, a local resident caught up in the week’s mystery (Birmingham Mail). The episode included an on-screen tribute reading “In loving memory of Ruth Madoc, 1943 – 2022” (Entertainment Daily).

“Everyone who spent time with Ruth described her as an absolute joy.”

— Tim Key, Executive Producer, speaking to Radio Times (TV listings authority)

Tim Key told Radio Times the team was devastated to learn of her death and that it was a privilege to work with her (Radio Times).

For fans of her earlier work in Hi-de-Hi! and Little Britain, this role was a bittersweet farewell. The cast and crew clearly honoured her legacy within the show.

Who is Kris Marshall married to?

His personal life and family

Kris Marshall, who plays DI Humphrey Goodman, is married to Hannah Dodkin, a production executive he met on the set of Death in Paradise. The couple have two children together (Wales Online).

While Marshall keeps his personal life relatively private, his marriage to Dodkin has been a stable backdrop to his career, which now spans two major BBC crime dramas.

For the audience, this detail humanises the star, reminding viewers that the man solving fictional crimes on screen is also a father and husband in real life.

Summary

Beyond Paradise has carved its own identity by blending a fresh cast with the familiar charm of its Cornish setting. The departure of Zoe and the emotional farewell to Ruth Madoc signal that the show is not afraid to evolve, even as it loses beloved figures. For viewers who have followed Kris Marshall’s DI Goodman from the Caribbean to the English coast, the choice is clear: embrace the turnover, or risk missing the next chapter.

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