Kris Marshall, renowned for his leading roles in Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, has revealed his perspective on ITV's Sanditon's tumultuous path, which saw the show axed before fans orchestrated its remarkable return.

The period drama Sanditon, based on Jane Austen's unfinished novel, remarkably secured a second series in July 2022, after initially struggling to attract a sufficient audience and facing the chop following its debut season.

Speaking previously to RadioTimes, Kris pondered the extraordinary circumstances, remarking: "It is the first show I've been on that has been cancelled and then reinstated."

He credited the programme's comeback to devoted viewers who launched an impressive crusade to rescue it following its triumph in America: "The fans did that after it took off in America, organising an incredible campaign to bring the show back."

Kris remembered the passionate backing from Sanditon enthusiasts who crafted intricate sand sculptures near their filming location, describing their endeavours as "relentless".

He concluded by voicing his delight at Sanditon's commissioning for two further series and his enthusiasm to keep playing Tom Parker, the determined businessman with ambitious plans to establish Sanditon as a prestigious seaside resort, reports the Express.

Initially, Tom Parker was depicted as determined to propel Sanditon to match Brighton's renowned status, but a devastating blaze in the opening series left his aspirations in tatters.

Nevertheless, Tom remained resolute in pursuing his grand vision, as demonstrated throughout the second series.

Presently, viewers can spot Kris appearing in Beyond Paradise's Christmas special, where he returns as the charmingly bumbling DI Humphrey Goodman after a successful second run.

The festive episode's plot, which airs on Sunday, teases, "When Esther discovers a man on the steps of the Shipton Abbott police station with no memory, holding a photo of Humphrey, the team gets to work to uncover who the mysterious man is while balancing a flurry of festive cases.

"At the same time, with the help of Anne, Zoe and a special guest, Martha races to pull off her secret plan while Kelby tries to help a mystery man trapped inside his snowman costume. But with an influx of unexpected visitors, a slew of holiday crimes to crack, and a heartwarming reunion on the line, can the team juggle it all and still be ready for a life-changing reveal?"

Beyond Paradise airs on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.