Beyond Paradise Christmas special full cast from comedian to Friday Night Dinner star

BBC One is set to bring back Beyond Paradise for a festive treat with an hour-long Christmas special airing on December 27. The official synopsis teases: "When a widower starts seeing the ghost of his late wife, DI Humphrey Goodman and the team are called in to investigate.

"DS Esther Williams is deeply sceptical, but Humphrey is more than happy to dive into his first haunting. It's Christmas after all and who doesn't like a festive ghost story?" Kris Marshall reprises his role as DI Humphrey Goodman, joined by Sally Bretton as Martha, as they welcome a new foster child into their home.

Sally Bretton shared her insights on their foster child Jaiden: "Jaiden is a bit of a challenge at first. Like any typical teenager, he's glued to his phone and headphones, and it takes him a while to warm up to Martha. She really tries to make a connection with him but it's not easy."

She further explained: "As the episode unfolds, we learn that Jaiden is struggling with being separated from his little brother. It's a big learning experience for Martha and Humphrey, who have only cared for younger children before. Handling a teenager presents new challenges, but Martha is determined to make it a special Christmas for Jaiden, nonetheless."

Here's all you need to know about who is in the cast.

Kris Marshall, the 51 year old acting sensation famous for roles in My Family and Love Actually's infamous character Colin Frissell, is a family man at heart. He is blissfully married to Hannah Dodkin and is a doting father to two children.

Shedding light on his festive plans, he revealed: "We're doing a wider family Christmas when the kids break up from school, and then we'll be going on a getaway after."

Martha Lloyd, portrayed by Sally Brettonor as she was formerly known, Sally Davisis the 44 year old jewel of English television, celebrated for her character Lucy Adams in Not Going Out. She enjoys life alongside her husband, photographer Lee, and delights in the chaos and joy that come with their three daughters, including a pair of twins.

Esther Williams takes shape through Zahra Ahmadi, a seasoned British actress of 42 years. Audiences may recognise her as the original Shabnam Masood on EastEnders among her varied roles including appearances in Innocent, Berlin Station, and Count Arthur Strong.

Kelby Hartford springs to life thanks to Dylan Llewellyn, a talent who, at 32, is already known for turning heads in Hollyoaks, Derry Girls, and Big Boys. With a sparkle in his eye, he shared his holiday aspirations: "I'm hoping to spend Christmas on the Isle of Wight with my family. My parents have a cottage there, so I'm looking forward to cosy board games and great food."

Margo Martins comes alive through Felicity Montagu, the 64 year old English powerhouse recognisable as Lynn Benfield, Alan Partridge's ever-loyal assistant. Her personal narrative includes a marriage to Alan Nixon and the shared joy of parenthood, proudly raising her two offspring, Olivia and Luke.

Felicity and Olivia joined forces in 2016 for the BBC Radio 4 series Guilt Trip, where they portrayed a fictional mother-daughter duo.

Barbara Flynn, a seasoned English actress of 76 years, is known for her role as Freda Ashton in the ITV drama series A Family at War. She was married to Jeremy George Taylor and has one child.

Melina Sinadinou, a graduate of The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, landed her first significant role in Beyond Paradise. She has since starred in Early Twenties and Red Planet Blue.

Jade Harrison, born Isabella Jade Ndagire Fane, plays Charlie Woods. With a rich heritage of Ugandan and English descent, she boasts Royal lineage from her Ugandan Princess grandmother and successful businessman grandfather.

Her acting credits include Insomnia, The Midwich Cuckoos and Foundation.

Amalia Vitale, a theatre and TV actress, has graced the stage in Much Ado About Nothing and appeared on Channel 4's Big Mood.

Mark Heap, a 67 year old actor and comedian, is recognised for his roles in Brass Eye, Green Wing and Friday Night Dinner. He is married to Bridget Thornborrow and his brother Carl is a renowned artistic director of the Medieval Players theatre company.

Seann Walsh, an English stand-up comedian and actor, has been in a relationship with dance teacher Grace Adderley since 2019. They welcomed their first child in 2023.

The remaining cast members include:

Fion - Tamla Kari

Rev Kate - Chizzy Akudolu

Jaiden - Austin Taylor

Marcus - Simon Nagra

Linda Holland - Rosalind Adler

Ben- Sami Amber