Beyond Paradise star Kris Marshall ‘not interested’ as he turns down BBC show request
Beyond Paradise star Kris Marshall has turned down the chance to appear on a major BBC television show despite being asked by bosses
Kris Marshall says he’s ‘not interested’ in a major BBC show (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Joss Barratt)
Beyond Paradise star Kris Marshall has revealed he snubbed a hit BBC programme. The 53-year-old first took on the role of Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman in beloved crime drama Death in Paradise back in 2014.
Following three years of filming on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, which serves as a stand-in for the fictional Saint Marie, Kris departed the show, passing the lead role to Ardal O’Hanlon. Royle Family star Ralf Little and former EastEnders actor Don Gilet have since fronted the series.
Kris did, however, reprise his role as DI Goodman in 2023 with Beyond Paradise, a spin-off set much closer to home in Devon and Cornwall.
While he has appeared in and narrated numerous television programmes throughout his career, Kris disclosed there is one major show he has knocked back. During an appearance on Virgin Radio, presenter Chris Evans quizzed him on whether he’d been approached to feature on The Traitors.
When Kris answered no, the presenter pressed him on whether he’d been offered any of the big reality shows. The actor responded: “Strictly, Strictly and Strictly.”
Kris has starred as DI Humphrey Goodman since 2014(Image: BBC)
Last week, reports indicated that the BBC were due to press ahead with auditions to find the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts, following the departure of both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the conclusion of the last series, reports the Express.
According to WalesOnline, nine well-known faces were shortlisted for the prestigious role, with the candidates reportedly summoned to a confidential venue in London for a rigorous interview process. The audition reportedly involves a complete coaching panel and a live band to assess how the hosts perform under the spotlight. Alongside the auditions, it’s understood they will participate in chemistry tests to determine how effectively they collaborate.
A source disclosed: “It’s not just about reading autocue. They’ll be looking at how people work together and humour is a massive part of it. There’s everything to play for.”
The auditions led Chris to enquire whether Kris would contemplate assisting in the audition process if approached. The TV star replied: “Do the dancing? Not interested. I’m actually an alright dancer as well.”
Kris Marshall returns to Beyond Paradise tonight(Image: BBC)
Kris, whom many will recognise for his role as Nick Harper in the BBC sitcom My Family, has spoken warmly of Beyond Paradise as its fourth series progresses. He continued: “I’m really happy where I am at the moment. Coz, yeah…coz I love the show, and I love the storylines. And it’s quite a mad little show, and I love it.”
Chris enquired whether they could “stir it up” in series five, and Kris revealed he and his co-stars are about to commence filming – suggesting there’d be “some stuff gonna spice it up”, though he couldn’t divulge further details.
Kris was pressed for additional information. At first, he remained tight-lipped but eventually stated: “Well, I mean, how long can a marriage last?”, in a potential reference to Humphrey and wife Martha Lloyd’s (played by Sally Bretton) nuptials.
People in the studio erupted in celebration at the prospect of drama, though Kris quickly clarified: “I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” Chris playfully suggested to the actor that he was “so not kidding”, prompting the Love Actually star to confirm he wouldn’t “give away” any spoilers.
