Fans of British crime drama have reason to celebrate as Beyond Paradise returns to screens with its much-anticipated fourth season, promising a fresh wave of mysteries and an impressive lineup of guest stars. The BBC One and BBC iPlayer hit, which made its comeback last week, has wasted no time in delivering star power and intrigue. As the new season unfolds, viewers are treated not only to the familiar faces of Shipton Abbot’s police force but also to a roster of acclaimed guest actors from some of the UK’s most beloved television series.
At the heart of Beyond Paradise is DI Humphrey Goodman, portrayed with signature charm by Kris Marshall. This season, he’s joined once again by Sally Bretton as Martha, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins. The team’s dynamic—by turns witty, warm, and determined—remains one of the show’s enduring strengths.
What sets season 4 apart, however, is its star-studded guest cast, particularly in episode 2, which airs Friday, April 3, 2026, at 8pm. According to The Mirror and corroborated by the BBC, this episode brings together talent from Downton Abbey, Poldark, and Outlander, creating a cross-pollination of British television royalty that’s sure to delight fans.
Leading the guest appearances is Raquel Cassidy, best known for her role as Miss Baxter in Downton Abbey. In Beyond Paradise, she steps into the shoes of June Harris, a character whose world is upended when her home is ransacked. Cassidy’s performance promises to bring emotional depth and complexity, as June grapples with the chaos and violation of her once-safe haven. For those who’ve followed Cassidy’s career, her versatility is no surprise—she’s also shone as Miss Hardbroom in The Worst Witch, Mel in Lead Balloon, and has had memorable roles in Moving Wallpaper, Teachers, and The Good Karma Hospital.
Joining her is Tristan Sturrock, who plays Dr Clive Harris, June’s husband and a local physician. Sturrock is a familiar face to many, having portrayed Zacky Martin in the BBC’s Poldark from 2015 to 2019. His résumé also includes stints as Colin Hedges in Bad Girls, Danny Steel in Doc Martin, and roles in Truelove, Malpractice, Tracks, Liverpool 1, and more recently, Percy Coulson in Industry. In this episode, Sturrock’s Clive is not only a supportive partner to June but also finds himself professionally at odds with another newcomer to Shipton Abbot.
That rival is Dr Roger Franklin, played by Colin McFarlane. With a screen career stretching back to 1985, McFarlane is perhaps most widely recognized for his role as Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Television audiences know him as Ulysses in Outlander, General Austin Pierce in the Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, and Chief Superintendent Cunningham in Piglets. He even had a memorable turn as Mr Jordan in Coronation Street back in 2010. Off-camera, McFarlane’s voice has brought to life characters in Dennis the Menace, Bob the Builder, Chuggington, Thomas and Friends, and Fireman Sam, making him a staple of British children’s programming as well.
The plot of episode 2 centers on June Harris’s upheaval after her home is ransacked, drawing DI Goodman and his team into a web of personal and professional rivalries. While June reels from the shock, her husband Clive and his adversary Roger Franklin are forced to confront not just their differences but also the implications of the crime on their tight-knit community. As always, the series balances the procedural with the personal, ensuring that viewers are as invested in the characters’ lives as they are in the mysteries themselves.
But the guest list doesn’t end there. Gina Bramhill, known for The Flatshare and Brief Encounters, appears as Amelia, adding another layer to the episode’s tapestry. Noah Thomas, who starred in Everything Now, takes on the role of Adam Walsh. Meanwhile, Emily Stott (familiar from Foundation and Riot Women) and Teddy Jay (of EastEnders fame) portray Amy and Sam, two patients under Dr Clive Harris’s care. Each character brings their own secrets and struggles, ensuring that the episode is packed with drama and unexpected twists.
Filmed on location across the scenic landscapes of Devon and Cornwall, season 4 of Beyond Paradise continues to make the most of its picturesque setting. The rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and quaint villages aren’t just a backdrop—they’re integral to the show’s identity, grounding its stories in a sense of place that’s both idyllic and, at times, quietly menacing.
It’s no wonder the show has struck a chord with audiences. By blending the cozy familiarity of a rural detective series with the excitement of fresh guest stars and evolving mysteries, Beyond Paradise manages to keep things feeling both classic and contemporary. The decision to bring in actors from such high-profile series as Downton Abbey, Poldark, and Outlander is a savvy one, tapping into the broad appeal of these franchises while ensuring that each episode feels like a special event.
The return of Beyond Paradise has generated palpable excitement, with fans eager to see how DI Goodman and his team will tackle the latest cases. The interplay between the regulars and the guest stars is a particular highlight—each new arrival shakes up the dynamic, keeping both the characters and the viewers on their toes. Whether it’s a ransacked home, a simmering professional rivalry, or the secrets of Shipton Abbot’s residents, there’s never a dull moment.
For those tuning in, the new episode airs Friday, April 3, 2026, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. With its blend of star power, compelling storytelling, and stunning locations, Beyond Paradise season 4 is shaping up to be a must-watch for crime drama aficionados and newcomers alike.
As the season unfolds, viewers can expect more surprises, more guest stars, and, of course, more mysteries to unravel in the heart of Devon and Cornwall’s fictional Shipton Abbot.