Beyond Paradise star shares what is was like working with Gavin & Stacey icon in season 4

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Zahra Ahmadi, known for her role in Beyond Paradise, recently shared her experience working with Melanie Walters. Walters, who played Gwen West in the popular early 2000s sitcom Gavin & Stacey, is one of several new guest stars appearing in the fourth season of the Death in Paradise spin-off.

I have to say, she was amazing! I’m a huge Gavin & Stacey fan, and she really comes across as a genuinely warm and lovely person. I especially loved the episode I got to be in with her – it was such a pleasure!

Ahmadi was happy to work with Gina Bramhill again, recalling a brief collaboration a few years prior and praising her talent. The show also features returning cast members Eva Feiler as Lucy Thompson and Phil Daniels as Marvelous Harris.

This season features a fantastic lineup of guest stars, including Tristan Sturrock (known from Poldark), Michael Cochrane (The Archers), Susan George (Straw Dogs), Susan Penhaligon (A Fine Romance), Vincent Franklin (The War Between the Land and the Sea), Narinder Samra (Ackley Bridge), Alex Macqueen (The Inbetweeners), Colin McFarlane (The War Between the Land and the Sea), Emily Stott (Riot Women), James Clay (MobLand), and Kenneth Collard (Cuckoo).

The latest installment of Beyond Paradise finds the Shipton Abbott police station on edge. DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) has to lay off a member of his team due to budget cuts, causing worry among the officers. Meanwhile, Ahmadi hints that Esther will be facing some personal challenges.

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Ahmadi described the character’s arc this season as emotionally challenging. She explained that the character is finally being truly honest with herself, something we haven’t seen before in the series, and is questioning past choices.

This season, Zoe (Melina Sinadinou) becomes much more independent, which is emotionally difficult for Esther. This situation causes Esther to think about other parts of her life and leads to a challenging and vulnerable experience for her. (You can find more details about Esther’s storyline this season here).

Looking back on the show’s four seasons, Ahmadi explained that it has grown and changed while still remaining authentic. He believes it hasn’t strayed from its original vision or purpose.

She explained that the project really listened to what people wanted. It evolved naturally, and the final result is simply a more complete version of its original, already excellent, foundation.

You know how the best meals aren’t just good right when you make them? I always find things like stews and curries actually improve with time. That first day is great, but the next day, the flavors start to really blend. And then after a couple of days? It’s incredible – everything just gets richer and deeper. It’s like all the ingredients have time to get to know each other and create something truly special.

“That’s where I feel we’re at with series four. I really feel it’s marinating.”

Beyond Paradise, Death in Paradise and Return to Paradise air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer.

Read more Beyond Paradise news on our dedicated homepage

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2026-04-06 19:49