The Beyond Paradise Christmas Special is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, December 21, bringing viewers back to Shipton Abbott for a yuletide episode packed with surprise arrivals, seasonal mysteries to solve, and a touching reunion.

The festive special will feature Kris Marshall returning as DI Humphrey Goodman, who faces a deeply personal investigation when an elderly gentleman suffering from dementia appears clutching nothing but a photograph of him.

Guest appearances in the Christmas episode include former Death in Paradise actor Adrian Edmondson, recognised for his work in EastEnders, The Pact, A Spy Among Friends, and most recently Alien: Earth, alongside Jonny Weldon, famous for portraying Ian in Netflix's acclaimed series One Day.

James Lance, celebrated for his portrayal of Trent Crimm in Ted Lasso, will also make a guest appearance.

The episode's synopsis states: "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 in the Beyond Paradise Christmas Special."

"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?" Here's everything you need to know about the cast.

Kris Marshall will reprise his role as DI Humphrey Goodman in the Christmas Special. The episode sees Humphrey grappling with a deeply personal case when an elderly man suffering from dementia appears clutching only a photograph of him.

Speaking about his character's storyline in the festive episode, he said: "It's such a personal story for Humphrey. A man turns up on his doorstep with a picture and we're not sure why, but it soon becomes a deeply touching story. I find it becomes especially personal because of the eventual reason as to why he has Humphrey's photograph - it's a very Christmassy story that warms the cockles."

Audiences may remember Kris from his roles as Nick Harper in My Family, Colin Frissell in the 2003 film Love Actually, Tom Parker in Sanditon, and of course, his three-year stint as DI Humphrey Goodman on Death in Paradise before the Beyond Paradise spin-off.

Discussing Martha and Humphrey's romance in the Christmas Special, Sally revealed: "They are both kind-hearted by nature and they genuinely want the best for each other. As a couple, they enjoy each other's company and have so much fun. It's been a hard road for them and they're finally in a happy spot. I can't wait for viewers to see their relationship develop in the next series."

Sally is most recognised for her portrayal of Lucy Adams in the BBC's enduring comedy Not Going Out, whilst also featuring as Donna in The Office and Kim Alabster in Green Wing.

Zahra's character Esther must confront Archie following their devastating conclusion in series three during the Christmas Special. Zahra acknowledges it's a "confusing" period for her character.

Audiences will know Zahra from EastEnders, where she portrayed Shabnam, alongside appearances in Innocent and The Bay.

Dylan's character Kelby encounters a seasonal dilemma during the Christmas Special when someone becomes stuck within a snowman outfit.

Dylan is most famous for his roles as Jack in Big Boys and James Maguire in Derry Girls. Soap enthusiasts will remember Dylan as Martin 'Jono' Johnson from Hollyoaks.

In the Christmas Special, Barbara is lending Martha a hand with her festive surprise for Humphrey. She explained: "Everyone says Anne doesn't like Humphrey, but she really does, they're just very different. Their relationship has that classic mother-in-law tension, especially since they live so close. Humphrey fascinates her because he is always clumsy and usually finds himself in the wrong place, but she loves him all the same."

Audiences will know Barbara from her appearances in Kate and Koji, The Durrells, Cranford and Cracker.

Margo becomes embroiled in the Christmas mystery when her nephew emerges as a prime suspect. Discussing how her character handles the revelation, Felicity revealed: "It's the first time we see Margo truly vulnerable. Her family life is a bit of a mystery; her children aren't around much, but she absolutely adores her nephew. She's fiercely protective of him, almost embarrassingly so. When he's accused, she's devastated but determined to help prove he's innocent. It's touching to see Margo drop the humour and irony for once; this is personal, and she's furious."

Felicity is most recognised for portraying Lynn Benfield, the long-suffering PA to Alan Partridge, and has additionally featured in Nighty Night, Hullraisers, Doc Martin and Black Ops. She also portrayed Perpetua in Bridget Jones's Diary.

Additionally making a comeback to the ensemble are Jamie Bamber as Archie Hughes and Melina Sinadinou as Zoe Williams.

As usual, this year boasts an impressive roster of guest stars, featuring One Day's Jonny Weldon in the role of Margo's nephew, alongside former Death in Paradise and EastEnders favourite Adrian Edmondson, plus Ted Lasso's James Lance.

Zahra, who portrays DS Esther Williams, praised the visiting performers: "Johnny Weldon as Margo's nephew was great - he's very funny, and it's always fun to work with people who can make you laugh easily. Every one of our festive special guest cast this year, Adrian Edmondson, James Lance too, has really felt like a natural extension of the series - it was a joy to work with them all."

Meanwhile, Dylan, who brings Kelby to life, remarked: "I'd already known Jonny Weldon from his online content, through his TikTok and YouTube which I always found hilarious. So, it was such a pleasure to work with him and he's so well-cast as Margo's nephew. Jonny and Felicity are such funny people, and they had great chemistry between them. He really fit into the Beyond Paradise family like a glove, but everyone did, really! Every guest star we've had has been lovely, but I think this festive episode was special for everyone, including the guests."