Hit BBC crime drama Shetland returns to television tonight (Thursday 12 November) for a new series that will mark the end of an era for one of its longest-serving stars.
Alison O’Donnell, who has played Detective Inspector Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh since the programme began in 2013, is preparing to bow out after 13 years.
The Scottish actress has been a central figure in the award-winning detective drama throughout its 11 series, including the departure of original leading man Douglas Henshall in 2022.
She will appear alongside Ashley Jensen, who returns as DI Ruth Calder, for a final six-part murder mystery set against the dramatic landscape of the Northern Isles.
The new series begins when a car is recovered from the water, revealing the decomposed skeletal remains of an unidentified man hidden in its boot.
The vehicle belongs to Dr Raymond Linden, a respected local GP who disappeared from Shetland nine years earlier amid troubling rumours.
As Calder and Tosh investigate the doctor’s disappearance and the identity of the dead man, they uncover secrets that threaten to change the lives of those connected to the case.
O’Donnell has promised an emotional and dramatic conclusion to her time on the programme, revealing that her final storyline involved some of the most demanding filming of her career.
She said: “These were some of the most challenging scenes I’ve ever shot for the show.”
Announcing her departure earlier this year, O’Donnell said: “Playing Tosh has been the greatest gift an actor could hope for.”
The new series will feature a number of familiar Scottish faces, including Gregor Fisher, best known for Rab C Nesbitt, and Gavin Mitchell, who played Boabby the Barman in Still Game.
Christine Bottomley, Stella Gonet and Kevin Harvey also join the guest cast.
Returning regulars include Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Lewis Howden as Sergeant Billy McCabe and Samuel Anderson as Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake.
Originally inspired by the bestselling crime novels of Ann Cleeves, Shetland first aired in 2013 with Douglas Henshall playing DI Jimmy Perez.
The programme has since become one of the BBC’s established crime dramas, attracting audiences with its atmospheric island locations and complex murder investigations.
Jensen joined the cast as the new lead detective in 2023, following Henshall’s departure after seven series.
Shetland returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Thursday 12 November.
Alison O’Donnell spoke about leaving the series.
After over a decade in the drama, you’re leaving Shetland, why?
I’m not even really sure I know how to answer this one! It’s not down to one particular thing, but rather a coming together of various components.
I’ve been involved with it for 14 years now and I’ve been so lucky to have been given so many different storylines and challenges and to have worked with so many extraordinary actors but at this point it feels like we’ve probably explored it enough. I don’t think I would ever have found a moment to step away that didn’t feel sad and bittersweet, but something in me said ‘leap’, and so I did.
What can we expect from Tosh’s final storyline?
A wild ride! These were some of the most challenging scenes I’ve ever shot for the show. All I can say is there was a huge amount of work involved - the building of special sets, an incredible stunt artist, and some extremely deep emotional digging. Hopefully that doesn’t give too much away.
That’s the thrilling side of it, but there were also many more thoughtful scenes with all the important people. It’s all in there. I think it’s a memorable exit. We’ll see!
How was it filming those final scenes?
When something is as seismic as this was, you just can’t really take it in as you’re doing it. It’s like trying to look directly at the sun. It’s too big and powerful. So, I just got my costume on and went to set and tried to soak it all in and spend time with my favourite people and serve the scenes.
On my final day, a lot of crew came dressed as Tosh. They were all wearing fair isle jumpers and had their hair up in a bun. It was so fun and thoughtful. Our producer Angus [Sharpe] made a speech after we wrapped my final scene but sadly I can’t really remember what he said because I was crying, it just came over me. It just felt so overwhelming. I think it’s going to take me years to fully process it.
You’re one of the original cast alongside Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden and Anne Kidd - was it sad to say goodbye to them?
Yes, in a word. But we’re family and that’s not going to change. My last day of filming on the Isles was beautiful and sunny and we were in a stunning location overlooking the sea. I was filming with Lewis [Billy] and Angus who plays Donnie, and I took the opportunity to tell them that this would be my last day filming up there. It was really special, as I have such a close bond with both of them, and we were able to have the sort of intense conversations that you don’t usually have in life, those conversations that can only really be managed in a moment like that. I’ll cherish that day forever.
And Steven [Sandy] and I had many goodbyes! He’s been an absolute rock for me in recent times, an emotional guru! And I hope I’ve been there for him. I hope we can all have a reunion up in the Isles some day!
What will you miss most about filming on the Shetland Isles?
I’ll miss the magic and the majesty of the place. How the air feels different and nature and the landscape come to meet you in the most humbling and awe-inspiring way. I’ll also miss bringing my family and doing all our favourite trips - Sands of Sound beach and poking around in all the little gift shops. And I’ll miss Tosh. She has been a constant companion for over a decade. I loved her tenacity and her humour the way she had no airs and was full of empathy. She gave me so much.
Will you revisit as a tourist sometime in the future?
I will absolutely visit. How could I not? I think I’ll need to leave it for a while, just to let myself settle. But I really look forward to coming up in a few years and taking my children back to all our favourite haunts and seeing what’s changed and what’s the same. And of course I’ll have the chance to call in on Steven and do some reminiscing. It’ll be nice to be there and just be a tourist!