festive guest
Star of controversial TV comedy pops up in Beyond Paradise Christmas Special – as Humphrey takes on a ghostly mystery
A major guest star in the Christmas special appeared in a controversial comedy earlier this year
A STAR of a controversial TV comedy has a featured role in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special.
Much like its counterpart Death in Paradise, the cosy BBC crime drama regularly features recognisable stars playing victims, culprits or suspects.
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Continuing this trend, Piglets actor Mark Heap plays a key role in the festive episode.
He guest stars as Bob Holland, a man who claims to be haunted by the ghost of his dead wife.
A concerned Anne Lloyd (Barbara Flynn) calls in DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi) to investigate.
Upon meeting with the officers, the widower reveals he'd intended to sell his home - where his children grew up - until his sentimental offspring talked him out of it.
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Humphrey took on the case - but he and Martha (Sally Bretton) had their own problem at hand.
The pair welcomed introverted teen Jaiden (Austin Taylor) as a foster placement at Christmas.
But they struggled to bond as Jaiden kept to himself and was always on mysterious phone calls.
After some digging, the reasons behind his stand-offish behaviour soon became clear.
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Meanwhile, actor Mark played Superintendent Bob Weekes in controversial ITV comedy series Piglets earlier this year.
Many viewers were left unimpressed by the programme - even branding it "absolutely disgraceful" owing to the title.
ITV comedy sparks backlash before it has even aired - as it faces calls to be renamed over 'offensive' title
One person wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "I served for 27 years and was called a "Pig" on several occasions when trying to protect the public.
"This is insulting to both serving and retired police officers. Shame on you."
Another added: "This is absolutely disgraceful, using the term "piglets" as the show's name is diabolical."
Despite the backlash, it was later confirmed the show will be returning for a second series.
Mark isn't the only recognisable face in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special.
Former Holby City and Strictly star Chizzy Akudolu, who played Mo Effanga, appears as Reverend Kate.
The cast of Beyond Paradise
Who are the stars of Beyond Paradise?
Main Cast
- Kris Marshall - DI Humphrey Goodman
- Sally Bretton - Martha Lloyd
- Zahra Ahmadi - DS Esther Williams
- Dylan Llewellyn - PC Kelby Hartford
- Felicity Montagu - Margo Martins
- Barbara Flynn - Anne Lloyd
Death In Paradise crossover cast
- Don Warrington - Commissioner Selwyn Patterson
- Élizabeth Bourgine - Catherine Bordey
- Ralf Little - DI Neville Parker
- Shantol Jackson - DS Naomi Thomas
- Tahj Miles - Officer Marlon Pryce
She enters the story when PC Kelby Hartford (Dylan Llewellyn) investigates a key part of Reverend Kate's Nativity having been stolen.
Also joining the guest cast is Seann Walsh, comedian and star of I'm A Celebrity 2022.
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Seann's character, entrepreneur Colin Bensted, is married to Bob Holland's daughter Fiona (Tamla Kari) - with both flummoxed as to his ghostly situation.
Beyond Paradise airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
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