Beyond Paradise star Zahra Ahmadi has opened up about her character DI Esther William's latest development after gaining romantic interest in Archie Hughes (played by Jamie Bamber). Their romance was an unexpected plot twist for viewers as Archie first returned to Shipton Abbey with lingering feelings for his former flame Martha (Sally Bretton), who remained devoted to her husband Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall).

Meanwhile, Esther's recent conversations with her mother and daughter Zoe Williams (Melina Sinadinou) revolved around her dating life and the hunt for "Mr Right," and after Archie became smitten with the detective, the unlikely pair became an item. A recent episode (April 4) saw Esther wake up in Archie's bed and attempt to sneak home in her clothes from the night before without being spotted by her daughter. Speaking on her character's newfound storyline, Ahmadi admitted she was taken aback by the spark between Esther and Archie and teased there could be "resistance" with making things official.

The actress shared: "I think it will be a really nice surprise for the audience. I think when I read it, I was a little bit shocked because I think Esther wouldn't go for somebody like Archie.

"Esther's used to dating within familiar circles, the people that are really local. Farmers, firemen, builders, quite low-key."

Ahmadi continued: "She'd never admit it, but I think she thinks Jamie might be a bit out of her league, so she would admire him from a distance, without taking it any further than that."

As for their future, she added that Esther could have some apprehension: "There's a sense of propriety, too, because he's Martha's ex, and she's very aware of all the drama that came from him coming back in series one.

"I think she's a very loyal person and she's really loyal to Humphrey, and she wouldn't want to upset him. And now she's also very friendly with Martha too," Ahmadi added.

As for the main murder mystery plot, the actress revealed that throughout season three, BBC viewers can look forward to a "grittier" storyline.

She told the BBC: "I think this series has slightly more edge to it in terms of the crimes. I wouldn't go so far as to say sinister, but the motives behind them are slightly darker, that's a really interesting movement in terms of the crimes."

In the latest episode (April 11), Esther, Humphrey and their team were forced to quickly resolve a mysterious case after a local chocolatier fell under suspicion after three customers were poisoned by her confections.