New Beyond Paradise location 'just like the Caribbean - if it wasn't so cold'

Instead of the usual whodunnit, Death in Paradise fans were gripped by a will-they-won’t-they love tale in 2017.

Marking the end of Kris Marshall’s stint on the show, his character DI ­Humphrey Goodman followed Martha Lloyd to London to declare his undying love for her, leaving Saint Marie behind.

But what happened after the happy couple disappeared into the sunset?

When spin-off series Beyond Paradise starts next week, fans will catch up with DI Goodman and Martha on British soil as they begin a new adventure in Devon.

Kris and Sally Bretton will reprise their roles as the couple in Martha’s home town of Shipton Abbott.

Kris and Sally Bretton will reprise their roles as the couple in Martha’s home town of Shipton Abbott (PA)

Tony Jordan said he wanted to expand the Death In Paradise universe because it “brings a lot of joy to a lot of people”.

The writer added: “There are not many shows that make you feel good by the time you get to the end of them. Death in Paradise does that.”

Tony said he revisited Kris’s character because “Humphrey is one of the most popular detectives we’ve had on the show, people loved him.”

He also told how viewers can expect two things from the new programme.

Beyond Paradise is set to kick off next week (WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

Tony added: “It will make you laugh, and I also hope it will make you cry because the story between Humphrey and Martha is touching.

“The brief we had was for a show exactly like Death in Paradise but at the same time completely different, and that’s what we have ended up with.

“The things that link them together is they are both joyful. Both shows give you a puzzle and those great moments where people are sitting together solving the mysteries.”

DI Goodman joins the local police and Martha opens a restaurant. Tony said he moved the action to the West Country after holidaying in Devon as a boy and living in Bristol.

He added: “It is paradise in its own way, so was a perfect fit and gave me everything the show needed.

Death in Paradise, which also starred Sara Martins, began in 2011 and has been one of the biggest shows on TV (TV Grab)

“It’s not set on the seafront but the sea is there. What is amazing about the West country with the small towns and villages is the genuine community feel.”

Death in Paradise, which also starred Sara Martins, began in 2011 and has been one of the biggest shows on TV.

At first Ben Miller took the starring role, followed by Kris, Ardal O’Hanlon and currently The Royle Family’s Ralf Little.