Where do we find Humphrey at the start of this series?

Humphrey is in a very good place. He’s well-settled in Shipton Abbott, both in his job and personal life. He’s proud of his team and feels confident in his role. His relationship with Martha is great and the pair have fewer dramas than in the past. While there have been struggles in earlier series, this series shows a more comfortable, positive Humphrey who is thriving both professionally and personally.

How are Humphrey and Martha adapting to foster parenting?

By this point, Humphrey and Martha have had a few foster placements and are feeling more confident in their experience. However, each child is different, and Rosie brings her own set of challenges which they hadn’t anticipated. As an emergency placement, Rosie is initially intended to be temporary, but they begin to form a deep bond with her which complicates things.

Can you tell us about some of the cases Humphrey and the team face this series? Did you have a favourite?

One of the standout cases is a kidnapping involving someone close to the police team, which unfolds later in the series (episode 6). The crime is particularly intricate and cleverly written and I was genuinely impressed by the complexity of it. I won’t give away any spoilers but it’s a fascinating case to solve and I’m intrigued to see if anyone can figure it out. I think people will be surprised, it’s a real highlight of the series.

Martha finds herself involved in one of Humphrey’s cases. How does he deal with it?

Humphrey doesn’t take it well. In a small town, it’s inevitable that people close to him will get caught up in cases. While he doesn’t believe she’s involved, he’s still obligated to investigate every angle which puts a strain on their relationship. It’s a tough situation for both of them - Martha is very busy and Humphrey struggles with the emotional toll it takes to see someone he loves potentially involved in something criminal. It adds extra complications to an already challenging investigation.

Archie returns this season. How does this affect Humphrey?

Humphrey doesn’t feel threatened by Archie’s return. He’s always been a confident and emotionally strong person, and he’s very secure in his relationship with Martha. In past series, his issues stemmed from Archie working so closely with Martha but this time, Humphrey isn’t concerned. He’s more bemused than anything else. He isn’t losing sleep over it and is accepting of the situation.

What’s it like working with Jamie Bamber?

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. 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.

What are your favourite locations to film in Devon and Cornwall?

I absolutely love filming by the coast. I’m a big fan of getting my "vitamin sea" - whether it’s surfing or swimming, being by the water makes me happy. One of my favourite filming locations is Rame Head in Cornwall. It offers stunning views and has a fascinating abandoned military site, complete with old tanks and artillery steps. It’s a great spot for filming and after work you can head down to a secret cove for a swim. Another favourite is Mothecombe Beach, which is a secluded spot only accessible on foot. We sometimes film there at night, and the little bathing house on the rocks makes for a perfect green room. It’s a cozy spot with a wood burner and is the perfect place to relax between takes. If we could do an episode that involves surfing, I’d love to head to the North Coast of Cornwall, where the surf is more consistent.

What can audiences look forward to this series?

This series offers the same great mix of intriguing crimes and compelling drama that viewers expect. What makes Beyond Paradise unique is its ability to be dramatic without being melodramatic. It’s a light-hearted crime drama that tackles serious, relatable issues without getting overly heavy. Each episode is packed with content - there’s a real sense of magic in how much is crammed into just one hour. It’s thought-provoking and heartwarming without feeling overly sentimental. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and I think that’s one of the show’s greatest strengths. It’s fun, it’s touching, and it offers something for everyone. There’s plenty to look forward to in this series and beyond.