The show continues the story of two of Death In Paradise's most popular characters(Image: TV Times, TV Times via Getty Images)

Kris Marshall reveals his favourite 'secret' Beyond Paradise filming location

by · Wales Online

Beyond Paradise, the hit spinoff from tropical detective show Death In Paradise, is into its third series, much to the delight of star Kris Marshall.

Kris, reprising his role as Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman, has expressed his sheer joy at filming BBC show in Devon and Cornwall. Speaking to Best Magazine, he said: "I absolutely love filming by the coast," and revealed one particular Cornish location that has captured his heart.

The series is set in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott, somewhere near the Devon coast, but most of the shooting takes place in and around the Cornish town of Looe. The University of Plymouth's Portland Square and Nancy Astor buildings also feature as the South West Police Headquarters.

In the show Humphrey moves to Martha's Devon hometown(Image: Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt)

Kris finds Cornwall's blend of expansive skies and rugged coastal landscapes particularly appealing. He shared: "I'm a big fan of getting my 'vitamin sea.' Whether it's surfing or swimming, being by the water makes me happy."

He disclosed that Rame Head in Cornwall holds a special place in his heart, describing it as one of his favourite filming locations: "It offers stunning views, and has a fascinating abandoned military site. It's a great spot for filming, and after work you can head down to a secret cove for a swim."

Despite the show's Devon setting, South East Cornwall was chosen as a primary filming location due to its less "touristy" nature during the summer months, according to Kris.

Kris singled out Rame Head as his favourite Beyond Paradise location(Image: George W Johnson via Getty Images)

The Tamar Valley and Looe are conveniently close to Plymouth, the A30, and the A38, making them accessible for the long convoy of location trucks that accompany any significant TV production.

Tim Key, the show's executive producer, conveyed to the I that finding a location with both excellent transport links and breathtaking scenery to match the stunning Caribbean backdrop of Death In Paradise was a top priority.

"Being a Death in Paradise show," he remarked, "we knew it had to be set somewhere beautiful, and, in the UK, we are spoilt for choice."

The show is set in Devon, but largely filmed in Cornwall(Image: BBC/Red Planet Pictures/Joss Barratt)

He added: "There were lots of conversations about where we take it but we settled quite quickly on the West Country as we felt that Devon hadn't had a huge amount of exposure in TV drama, Cornwall often nabs the glory."

Kris believes that while viewers love the landscapes, the real draw of Beyond Paradise lies in its intricate, multi-layered plots: "Each episode is packed with content," he notes, "and there's a real sense of magic in how much is crammed into just one hour."

Catch Beyond Paradise tonight (Friday, April 11) at 8pm on BBC One.