It seems a change in lead actor has not damped people’s desire for Scottish archipelago crime solving, as the BBC announces a double-season renewal for hit drama ‘Shetland‘.
Renewed for Seasons 9 and 10, the critically acclaimed drama sees Ashley Jensen return to the role of DI Ruth Calder, alongside Alison O’Donnell as Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh. Jensen took over the lead role in season eight, following the departure of the original star, Douglas Henshall. That season averaged 7.0 million viewers across its run on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, in line with the previous season. In Scotland, ‘Shetland’ was the second biggest drama of the year across all channels and streamers, behind ‘Happy Valley’.
“I’m thrilled I’ll be returning to the Shetland Isles again to play the wonderfully complex DI Ruth Calder,” said Jensen. “The reaction to the last series was incredible and I’m excited at the prospect of unravelling more intrigue. The Shetland Isles are breath-taking – 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.”
Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the new series of ‘Shetland’ will also see the return of series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora). Further casting will be announced in due course.
“I could not be happier that Shetland is returning for two more series and am so excited to get started,” adds O’Donnell. “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. That we have managed to grow such a loyal and supportive viewership is a dream come true. Ashley and I just scratched the surface of our dynamic in Series 8 and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on that. I can’t wait to see what Paul and the team have in store for us next.”
The new series will be written by lead writer Paul Logue, and Denise Paul. Season 9 will be produced by Louise V Say (Dracula, Les Miserables) and directed by Andrew Cumming (Out of Darkness) and Ruth Paxton (A Banquet). Executive producers are Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Denise Paul and Paul Logue for Silverprint Pictures.
“It’s a joy to bring Shetland back for not one, but two new series, further strengthening the BBC’s commitment to this hugely successful Scottish drama that’s loved by fans across the UK and around the world,” commented Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. “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‘ Season 9 does not yet have a premiere date but will film in locations on the Shetland Isles and across Scotland in 2024, with Season 10 being filmed in 2025. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
