IN CONVERSATION WITH KRIS MARSHALL

With his unmistakable charm and comedic timing, British actor Kris Marshall has become a beloved fixture on British screens. From his breakout role as the endearingly awkward Nick in ‘My Family’ to winning hearts worldwide as DI Humphrey Goodman in ‘Death in Paradise’ and its spin-off ‘Beyond Paradise’, Kris has consistently brought warmth, wit, and depth to every role. Off-screen, he's just as captivating—thoughtful, self-deprecating, and full of stories from a career that spans over two decades in film, television, and theatre. Next up, Kris is returning for Season 3 of ‘Beyond Paradise’, premiering on 14th April.

jumper, jacket, trousers CONNOLLY
socks FALKE
shoes SANDRO

Kris, you’re reprising your role as DI Humphrey Goodman in ‘Beyond Paradise’ Season what can fans expect from this new season?

Well, it’s much the same in terms of our amazing puzzles and crimes, mixed together with some heartwarming storylines, a cracking guest cast and some humour. But I think with the show now being three seasons in, it really has hit its stride.


What draws you to the character of Humphrey? Has he evolved since we first met him in ‘Death in Paradise’?

Originally I was drawn to Humphrey by his everyman quality, and the fact that he was an intriguing character with a zest for life. But also his uncanny knack of disarming his suspects whilst arming himself with the intricacies of the truth. He’s brilliant but completely unorthodox. And although he retains those qualities, it’s important to me and I think for the character to continually evolve him as he deals with more personal challenges and as he frankly gets older. I wouldn’t want to play him anymore if he didn’t have a form of evolution.


The show has become one of the BBC’s most-watched dramas, with over 8 million viewers for Season 2. What do you think makes ‘Beyond Paradise’ resonate so strongly with audiences?

I think that audiences love crime. Instead of being somewhat of a voyeur in a story they feel a part of its solution. But with ‘Beyond Paradise’ specifically, I think it’s its light-heartedness. That despite it being a crime show it somehow has a feelgood factor. And also its characters and the fact that it’s cross demographic. You can watch it with your kids, your mum and even your dog.


Beyond solving mysteries, ‘Beyond Paradise’ has a unique charm with its setting in Devon. How does the location contribute to the storytelling?

There’s a wild beauty in the South West that imbues the population with a certain romanticism and love of storytelling, and a rich sense of humour. Its location as a peninsular sticking out into the Atlantic almost separates it from the rest of the UK. It assimilates into the stories and mysteries that the show portrays, in a way that I think is completely unique to its setting. 


The show recently won Best New Drama at the 2024 TV Choice Awards. How did it feel to receive that recognition?

It’s always the cherry on the icing of the cake to receive recognition from your peers, but I think the fact it was the UK’s most popular new drama, that resonates most of all. To be able to create something that audiences really go for is the whole point of making it in the first place, and when they do, it’s heartening and frankly a relief.

coat, jumper, jacket, trousers CONNOLLY
socks FALKE
shoes SANDRO

You’ve played a detective on screen. How are your real-life detective skills? Can you spot a lie easily?

I’m a terrible detective. I’m not sure I’m anywhere nearly observant enough of the smaller details to be able to solve any crimes. Can I spot a lie? Yeah, I think I’m a little better at lie-spotting, I guess it’s a specific skill that actors have to study body language. For me anyway, It’s at the heart of creating characters to study physicality.


Many people first fell in love with your work in ‘Love Actually’. Did you ever expect the film to become such a timeless classic?

It was interesting that as everyone had their own storylines during the filming process, the number of days filming was relatively short. I think I only filmed about 15 days. Of course with it being a Richard Curtis film, and with the incredible cast involved, you were aware it would have some traction, but for it to transcend that and become such a fixture of the landscape is amazing.


You also reprised your role as Tom Parker in Sanditon’s final season. How did it feel to return to that character for the conclusion of the story?

Tom Parker was a fantastic character to play. Again, a man who had the best of intentions, but who had an intrinsic flaw, a blind spot that was almost sociopathic. With a fervency to expedite his vision at all costs, it stands to reason there would be some path to redemption, so it was fascinating to have the opportunity to see his character arc to its fruition.


Looking back at your 20+ years in the industry, what have been some of the most memorable moments or lessons learned?

My mid 20s, where I went from struggling to work consistently as an actor, hiding under the bed from my landlord because I couldn’t pay my rent, to 18 months later starring in Hollywood movies and one of the most popular shows on TV was beyond my wildest expectations. I guess I’ve learned the lesson that if you work hard enough, take a few risks and don’t take no for an answer, then you’re in with a chance of getting on the plane.


You’re hosting a dinner party and can invite three fictional characters from TV or film. Who’s on the guest list? 

Richard E Grant’s Withnail from ‘Withnail and I’, Jack Nicholson’s character in ‘Terms of Endearment’, and anything with James Garner. Quite a party…


If you had to survive on a desert island with one of your former characters, who would you pick? 

Probably Tom Parker if I’m honest. He’d at least be able to build a fully-fledged seaside resort on it, and probably get funding for it as well. I guess I’d be doing the cooking though.


What’s the most useless skill you have that you’re weirdly proud of? 

I’m not sure it’s useless, but I’m a pretty mean table tennis player.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography DAVID REISS
styling PRUE FISHER
grooming JOLANDA COETZER