Beyond Paradise's Devon Drama Dives Into Myth

The latest season of the BBC TV comedy-drama Beyond Paradise, set in the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott and predominantly filmed in Looe, Cornwall, is embracing the rich folklore of the South West.

Unlike previous installments, this current series pays homage to the region's Celtic-inspired mythology. It explores local legends such as mermaids, the Green Man, pirates, and even the more sinister aspects of Morris traditions, all deeply rooted in the area's distinctive storytelling heritage.

Plymouth-born actor Zahra Ahmadi, who plays police officer Esther Williams, expressed her enjoyment of exploring stories that are culturally significant to the region. She highlighted how the series is actively celebrating the storytelling culture of the South West.

Folklore expert Steve Patterson noted the inclusion of Cornish legends, particularly the renowned story of the Mermaid of Zennor. This tale, immortalized on a bench end in Zennor Church, tells of a mermaid named Morvehen who seduced a chorister into the sea, where they were believed to have swum away together.

Ahmadi also recalled a memorable Dartmoor tale from her childhood: the Hairy Hands myth. First documented in June 1921, this legend describes disembodied hairy hands near Postbridge and Princetown that allegedly seize vehicle controls, attempting to drive them off the road. Viewers can discover if these eerie legends appear in Shipton Abbott by watching the show on BBC iPlayer.