Dive Into Devon's Mystical Myths with BBC's Beyond Paradise Series 4

BBC's Beyond Paradise is a popular comedy-drama series set in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott, which is supposed to be in Devon. However, most of the filming actually takes place in Looe, Cornwall, and other locations across Devon and Cornwall. The latest season of the show is different from the earlier ones because it focuses a lot on the myths and legends from the South West of England. The producers wanted to pay tribute to the region's unique culture by including stories about mermaids, pirates, the Green Man, and even some of the darker sides of Morris dancing. These stories are all inspired by the Celtic history and folklore that are a big part of life in Devon and Cornwall.

One of the main actors, Zahra Ahmadi, who plays police officer Esther Williams, is from Plymouth herself. She said she really enjoyed how the new season explores stories that are important to the local people. Zahra remembers learning about these legends when she was in primary school. She said her teacher used to read stories from Dartmoor, a famous moorland in Devon. One story that stuck with her is called the Hairy Hands. This legend is about a pair of hairy hands that appear on a narrow road near Postbridge and Princetown. The hands are said to grab the steering wheel and try to make drivers crash. Zahra thinks it is great that the show is using these kinds of stories because it helps people learn about the culture of the South West.

Another famous legend featured in the show is the Mermaid of Zennor. Steve Patterson, who is the director and curator of folklore and witchcraft at a museum in Falmouth, explained that this is probably the most well-known mermaid story in Cornwall. The story goes that a mermaid named Morvehen fell in love with a church singer named Matty Trewhela. She lured him into the sea at Pendour Cove, and he was never seen again. People believe they lived together in her underwater home. There is even a carving of the mermaid on a bench in Zennor Church, which shows how important this story is to the local culture. Steve Patterson said that using these legends in Beyond Paradise helps to keep the old stories alive and introduces them to new audiences.

The show also includes other local tales and traditions, making it a celebration of the South West's storytelling heritage. Zahra Ahmadi said she feels proud to be part of a series that highlights the culture of her home region. She hopes that viewers will enjoy learning about these myths and maybe even be inspired to visit Devon and Cornwall to see the places where the stories began. Beyond Paradise is not just a TV show; it is also a way to share the rich history and folklore of the South West with people all over the country.