BBC’s hit murder mystery drama Beyond Paradise stars Kris Marshall in the leading role as DI Humphrey Goodman, who, alongside a team, dedicates his time to tackling the crime in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott. The show is a spin-off of the beloved Death In Paradise series, in which Marshall also starred as the fan favourite detective, saw him reprise his character in the UK with a fresh cast.

Along with parental challenges with his wife, Martha (played by Sally Bretton), the spin-off gave fans a new insight into the character’s quirks, including his passion for a glass of milk. Throughout the series, fans have also questioned why the detective opts for milk while his colleagues enjoy coffee for their strenuous workloads. Marshall has finally revealed that Humphrey’s unusual beverage of choice is a special nod to the 70’s hit American drama, Barnaby Jones.

In a recent interview, the actor reflected on his childhood and cited one of his biggest influences for his character as the American detective, who was played by the late Buddy Ebsen.

“I was influenced by everything from Miss Marple to Jim Rockford – who I thought was the coolest man alive, Barnaby Jones and Columbo. None of them were big boozers or had a dark secret.

“And we’re dealing with ostensibly a comedy drama, so I try and imbue my character with a little bit from all those classic detectives I grew up with,” he added to the Big Issue.

Marshall revealed: “There are little easter eggs in there – they’re just for me, really, but if other people see them, that’s great. Like Humphrey drinks a lot of milk – which is a nod to Barnaby Jones.”

The mysterious events on Shipton Abbott turned personal for Humphrey during episode five, after local farmers had their milk sabotaged by a figure dressed as the mythical Cornman.

The criminal had also set their hay on fire and released cows onto the road, causing chaos and potential danger to their livestock and others in the town.

The detectives considered a possible feud between the Ellises and the owners of a neighbouring farm.

However, as the episode went on, viewers quickly took to social media and complained they would get “nightmares” as the storyline took an unexpected spooky theme.