Will there be a third series of Beyond Paradise? BBC makes announcement

Beyond Paradise is coming back for a third series - and also a Christmas special. The BBC, BritBox International and Red Planet Pictures have announced the news about one of the UK’s most popular dramas.

Viewers have been transfixed by the tales of Shipton Abbott as well as Humphrey, Martha and friends since the programme's debut last year. Episode one of series two has been watched by 7.5 million viewers so far.

The second series, which culminated tonight (Friday), saw Humphrey and Martha very nearly tie the knot, while their fostering journey came to a heartwarming conclusion as they welcomed Ryan into their home. Esther took on a case that saw the Shipton Abbott Museum robbed of its prized possession, and Kelby and CS Charlie Wood’s professional relationship took an unexpected turn.

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Throughout series two, the Shipton Abbott police team continued to crack a host of mind-boggling and mysterious puzzles to ensure the station house remains open for the foreseeable future. Plots included a death during a murder-mystery play on a steam train, a local fishing legend going missing at sea, a medium predicting an arson attack and many more.

The programme stars Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman and Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Humphrey’s fiancée. Other station house employees include DS Esther Williams, played by Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn's PC Kelby Hartford and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, office support.

Tim Key, executive producer for Red Planet Pictures, said: "The response to series two has been fantastic. So