actor is a well-known face on television, having starred in several hit shows, including the BBC Death in Paradise spin-off as Martha Lloyd with on-screen husband Kris Marshall, and Not Going Out alongside Lee Mack. She also appeared in Armstrong and Miller, Doctors, and in the award-winning series The Office with Ricky Gervais.

Before the roles came pouring in thick and fast, Sally had a very different career. Born Sally Davis in Hertfordshire, the 44-year-old graduated from the Central School of Speech and Drama in 1999. But when she wasn't learning how to be an actress, she spent her weekends teaching young stars at Top Hat Stage and Screen School as a drama teacher. Reflecting on her former job, Sally said, "I loved it, but I just love kids. I got hooked on performing at primary school. I think that's all you want for your own children, isn't it? That chance to find a passion, something they will love doing."

After graduating, Sally joined Equity, the performing arts and entertainment union, and realised she'd have to change her surname as there was already a Sally Davis on their books.

While working as a Saturday girl in the Barnet branch of Next, she came up with her new stage name. She told The Telegraph: "A friend brought in a book all about the meanings of names, and I was in the staff room flicking through. I wasn't far in when I fell on Bretton, and that was that. I just thought, 'Yup, I quite like that.' It's totally random, but I thought it sounded quite nice."

When it was announced Kris Marshall's DI Humphrey Goodman was swapping the Caribbean for Devon, fans weren't sure it could be pulled off. However, three series in and Beyond Paradise has become as much of a cult classic as its originator, Death in Paradise. Over 8.7 million viewers tuned in to watch the show's first episode over its first month, and those numbers continue to remain steady.

Viewers are already gripped by the third season, which has seen Martha and Humphrey overcome unexpected hurdles as foster parents, and deal with the reappearance of Martha's old flame Archie.

Now, Zahra Ahmadi, who plays DS Esther Williams, and who works alongside DI Humphrey Goodman has revealed that she things this season is "slightly grittier" than before. 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."

saw the matter of coercive control in a relationship and stalking, and received overwhelming support from viewers. Taking to social media, one stated: "A hard hitting storyline on tonight's #BeyondParadise, but one that was so important to tell! Amazing acting by all involved. Thank you for telling it so well @BeyondPOfficial!

Another added: "Very important message tonight about how relationships can easily turn toxic and how women can be treated. Well done for highlighting this! #BeyondParadise."