Shetland series 10: Everything we know about upcoming season starring Ashley Jensen

By Helen Fear | Fri Dec 06 2024

Shetland remains one of BBC One's most popular detective dramas, with series 9 just finishing, and a series 10 already confirmed.

The show, filmed on the beautiful Shetland islands, has been on our screens ever since the first ever series in 2013. And it shows no signs of coming to an end any time soon.

BBC One's crime drama Shetland has even survived a change of lead, after Douglas Henshall quit the show for new roles in 2022. Fans will know he played DI Jimmy Perez for seven series.

So what do we know about Shetland series 10? Read on to find out...

Behind the scenes of Ashley Jensen filming Shetland (Credit: BBC)

Will there be a series 10 of Shetland?

BBC One has confirmed that their hit crime drama Shetland has been recommissioned for another series - which means that a series 10 is coming.

They made the announcement earlier in 2024, ahead of series 9 landing on the channel.

Talking about series 9 and 10 of Shetland, actress Ashley Jensen said: “I'm thrilled I'll be returning to the Shetland Isles again to play the wonderfully complex DI Ruth Calder.

"The reaction to the last series was incredible and I'm excited at the prospect of unravelling more intrigue."

She continued: "The Shetland Isles are breathtaking – without a doubt one of the most memorable and unique filming locations I've been to. I'm looking forward to jumping on that wee plane again and returning soon."

When and how can I watch it?

Shetland series 10 is expected to land on BBC One and iPlayer 2025. Like series 8 and 9 before it, it could well land in October/November time.

Series 1 to 9 are currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Shetland-born Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson (Credit: BBC)

Who's in the cast of Shetland series 10?

Ashley Jensen will be returning as prickly DI Ruth Calder in the cast of Shetland series 10. The Scottish actress replaced Douglas Henshall's Jimmy Perez at the beginning of series 8 in 2023.

Before that, Ashley was probably best known for her collaborations with comedian Ricky Gervais. She appeared briefly in The Office, and went on to portray Maggie Jacobs in Extras, and nurse Emma in After Life.

After finding success in the UK, Ashley won the coveted role of Christina McKinney in US hit comedy Ugly Betty, opposite Barbie actress America Ferrera. She starred in the show from 2006 to 2010. Cosy drama fans will know her as the titular heroine in Agatha Raisin, a role she played from 2014 to 2022.

Fan favourite Alison O'Donnell will also be back as Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh. The character was finally promoted to Detective Inspector in Shetland series 9.

Alison O'Donnell, whose role in Shetland is her most significant to date, said: "I could not be happier that Shetland is returning and am so excited to get started. I'm really proud of the journey this show has been on and of the way it continues to evolve and grow in exciting and surprising ways."

Other regular cast members expected to return include Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean, Angus Miller as Tosh's partner Donnie, Steven Miller as Ruth's brother Reverend Alan Calder, and Lewis Howden as Sergeant Billy McCabe. Conor McCarry is also expected to return as PC Alex Grant.

'Plenty more in store as we head back to the Isles'

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said of the upcoming Shetland series 10: "It's a joy to bring Shetland back, further strengthening the BBC's commitment to this hugely successful Scottish drama that's loved by fans across the UK and around the world."

She added: "Ashley and Alison's partnership has taken Shetland from strength to strength and into new exciting territory, which combined with Paul Logue's captivating scripts will mean there's plenty more in store as we head back to the Isles."

Shetland series 9 comes to an end on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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