As the third season of Beyond Paradise premieres, Kris Marshall reflects on his unexpected journey to becoming one of the UK’s most beloved television actors. At 51, the seasoned star is stepping back into the shoes of DI Humphrey Goodman, the quirky detective who first won audiences over in Death in Paradise before making the transition to its spin-off series.
Taking on the Role of a Lifetime
“When I joined Death in Paradise, I had never taken over an already established role before,” Kris Marshall admits. “Ben [Miller] had done such a fantastic job, and I knew I couldn’t just mimic what he did. I had to make Humphrey my own.
His time on Death in Paradise not only solidified his place as a household name but also set the stage for Beyond Paradise, which transports DI Goodman from the sun-soaked Caribbean to the picturesque town of Shipton Abbott on the Devon-Cornwall border.
The Enduring Appeal of Cosy Crime
Since its debut in 2023, Beyond Paradise has attracted millions of viewers, offering the same engaging mysteries as its predecessor but with a quintessentially British backdrop. “There’s something timeless about this kind of storytelling,” Marshall reflects. “No excessive gore, no dark, brooding antiheroes—just a good mystery wrapped in warmth and wit.
Part of the show’s success lies in its charming supporting cast, including Felicity Montagu and Dylan Llewellyn, who add layers of humor and heart to the stories. “It’s old-fashioned in the best way possible,” Kris Marshall says. “My kids, who never usually care about my work, actually sit down to watch it with me. That says a lot.”
From ‘Love Actually’ to Leading Roles
Marshall’s acting career began with a love for the stage before he transitioned to film and television. Kris Marshall breakout role as Nick Harper in My Family made him a familiar face, but it was his turn in Love Actually that gave him global recognition. Playing the cheeky Colin Frissell, a Brit who believes his accent will make him irresistible in America, remains one of his most talked-about roles. “It was an incredible experience,” he recalls. “I was only on set for about two weeks, but people still ask me about it all the time.
Despite the success, Kris Marshall never wanted to be typecast. He actively sought out different roles, appearing in everything from period dramas like Sanditon to Hollywood films. “For me, acting has always been about variety,” he says. “I never wanted to stay in one place for too long.”
Swapping Guadeloupe for Devon
When he took on Death in Paradise in 2014, he wasn’t just stepping into a new role—he was uprooting his life. Moving to Guadeloupe with his wife, Hannah, and their young son was both an adventure and a challenge. “It was an amazing experience, but it wasn’t without its difficulties,” he shares. “Dengue fever, Zika, and relentless mosquitoes weren’t exactly in the job description.”
By 2017, with another child on the way, the Kris Marshalls decided it was time to return home. “It felt like the right moment to leave,” he says. “Family comes first.”
Yet, it wasn’t long before he was drawn back to DI Goodman. When Beyond Paradise was pitched to him, he knew he couldn’t pass it up. “It’s rare to get a second shot at a character you love,” he says. “I had to say yes.
Finding Contentment in Familiar Ground
Now settled into the role for a third season, Kris Marshall is embracing the stability Beyond Paradise has brought him. “The wanderlust I had earlier in my career has faded,” he admits. “I love where I am now—working with people I enjoy, on a show that makes people happy.”
That’s not to say he doesn’t think about moving on someday. “Every character has a shelf life,” he acknowledges. “But for now, I’m just enjoying the ride.”
