Beyond Paradise's Kris Marshall says 'it was a first' as he addresses surprise show axe

BBC's and star opened up about ITV show Sanditon's cancellation before being revived. Sanditon, inspired by Jane Austen's unfinished novel, returned for a second series in July 2022 after being axed in its debut series after failing to captivate audiences. Talking to RadioTimes, Kris said about the show's comeback: "It is the first show I've been on that has been cancelled and then reinstated."

He thanked the show's dedicated fans for its comeback, as they rallied behind the series across the pond: "The fans did that after it took off in America, organising an incredible campaign to bring the show back." A grateful Kris revealed he saw impressive sand art tributes by fans on the beach near their set, describing the fanbase as "relentless". He concluded by expressing delight over Sanditon's renewal for two additional series and his excitement about continuing his role as Tom Parker, the ambitious entrepreneur aiming to transform Sanditon into a premier seaside destination, reports .

In its inaugural season, a devastating fire dashed Tom's dreams of elevating Sanditon to Brighton's popularity level. Persistent in bringing his grand vision to fruition, Tom remained undeterred even as the second series unfolded.

Currently gracing television screens, Kris is captivating audiences once again in the Death in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise. After delighting fans in the inaugural season, he has returned as the endearing and sometimes bumbling DI Humphrey Goodman.

Humphrey will be back on screens tonight with the Beyond Paradise Christmas special. The synopsis for the festive instalment reads: "Humphrey and Esther try to unravel whether a widower's ghostly visions are a manifestation of grief or something more sinister.

"Meanwhile, a break-in at the church leaves the Nativity scene incomplete. With the Christmas service fast approaching and CS Charlie Woods due to attend, Kelby hopes to solve the mystery of the missing Virgin Mary and impress the Chief Superintendent at the same time.

"Away from the station, Humphrey and Martha's fostering journey continues as they open their home to an introverted teenager."

Beyond Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.