Beyond Paradise confirms return of main characters in first-look after 'exit' fears

The team behind Beyond Paradise has officially started shooting for the much-awaited third series - and it has confirmed the return of three main characters.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Charlestown, familiar faces such as DI Humphrey Goodman, portrayed by Kris Marshall, and his talented co-stars Zahra Ahmadi and Dylan Llewellyn were seen back in action on set.

Newly released snaps show a playful moment with Kris, the lead actor of the BBC series, joking around on set, trying to push a crew member into the scenic Cornish harbour.

Another snap shows Kris as DI Humphrey Goodman standing in front of an ambulance while another shows actors in a lifeboat.

The shoot drew a crowd of spectators eager to see the cast and crew at work. It's reported that filming for the new series officially commenced on September 23.

The new pictures come after fans feared an exit was on the cards for one character. Fans were left questioning whether Martha Lloyd, portrayed by Sally Bretton, was the right fit for Humphrey Goodman. The couple's relationship was left hanging in the balance at the end of series two when they decided to call off their wedding.

Adding to the intrigue, it was announced that Martha's former flame, Archie (Jamie Bamber), will be making a comeback in the new series. - raising questions about whether he could stir up trouble for the couple by attempting to kiss Martha again.

Joining Kris, Sally, Zahra, Dylan, and Jamie in the upcoming series are Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, Jade Harrison as CS Charlie Woods, and Melina Sinadinou as Zoe Williams.

Taking to a Facebook fan page to share their thoughts on Martha, one fan wrote: "I don't understand Martha. First, she decides she is not going to do any more fertility treatments (I know they are expensive and can affect your emotions but she should discuss it with Humphrey before standing him up at the clinic), then she decides the wedding her mother planned for her and Humphrey isn't what she wanted. AND she waits until her wedding day to tell her mother this. I have watched this series more than once but it gets my hackles up every time I see that last episode." (sic)

The comment sparked a huge reaction from other fans, with some questioning whether an exit could be on the cards for Martha.

"I wish they'd put Humphrey with someone else," someone else pleaded.

"He deserves better," another stated while a third echoed: "Yeah, I agree, Humphrey deserves someone a lot better. It has always been about Martha and what Martha wants."

Another suggested: "Well, with the wedding called off and Archie coming back, maybe they will leave together."

"The cancellation of the wedding was ridiculous," one wrote while another threw a wild theory into the mix about Humphrey leaving. "Not too keen on Martha, he wants to drop her and go back to Saint Marie."

The synopsis for the upcoming series reveals: "Set in the picturesque locations of Devon and Cornwall, there are plenty of cases to keep the team busy, including a body found in the river on the county border, a perplexing chocolate box poisoning, a historic farming feud, and a spiking incident on the water.

"Away from the police station, Martha and Humphrey face unexpected challenges as foster parents, while the reappearance of Martha's old flame Archie presents an unforeseen challenge.

"While Esther finds herself dealing with an unexpected twist in her personal life, a health scare throws Anne into turmoil, dredging up old wounds. Meanwhile, Kelby sets off on an enlightening personal quest."

Beyond Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.