South Devon Railway stars in BBC drama

South Devon Railway has secured a starring role in the highly anticipated return of BBC One's crime drama, Beyond Paradise.

Set against the backdrop of the fictional Devon seaside town of Shipton Abbott, the series captivated audiences in its first season, becoming the UK's most-watched new drama across all channels and streamers last year.

In the premiere episode of the second season, the heritage railway took centre stage as a murder mystery play rehearsal aboard a steam train takes a deadly turn. 

When the actor portraying the victim is discovered with a real knife in his back, DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) and DS Esther Williams (Zahra Ahmadi) are thrust into a race against time to uncover the identity of the killer.

The educational charity behind South Devon Railway sees this collaboration as a prime opportunity to showcase the railway to a wider audience. 

Plans are underway to create an exhibition featuring props from the show, including the Shipton Abbott Station sign. 

Additionally, fans of Beyond Paradise will soon have the chance to immerse themselves in their own train murder mysteries throughout the year.

Murder by Appointment, the longest-established murder mystery company in the West of England, is launching seven themed experiences, with the first being a 1940s Diamond Heist scheduled for April 25.

General Manager of South Devon Railway, Ernest Elsworth-Wilson said: “We were delighted to welcome Red Planet Pictures to the South Devon Railway for the filming of the new BBC series of Beyond Paradise.

“The scenes were shot during an intensive week and filming had to take place around a busy public summer timetable, which was quite a challenge for the crew, the actors and our staff.

“However, it all looked amazing and we’re delighted the railway had such a starring role in episode one.

Lead actor Kris Marshall shared his excitement about filming on the South Devon Railway, particularly the scenes on the footplate of the steam train, describing them as "incredible" and akin to "living, breathing beasts."

South Devon Railway, a multi-award-winning tourist attraction, boasts a rich history as the longest-established steam railway in the southwest, celebrating over 50 years in preservation. 

The seven-mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, traverses the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.