Shetland is making a return to screens for its milestone 10th series with several of the show's fan-favourites returning, along with some major character shake-ups.
The series, which stands as one of the BBC’s most successful long-running dramas, follows detectives working across the Shetland Isles as they investigate complex murder cases within tight-knit island communities.
Back this season is Alison O’Donnell as DS Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh, now the only remaining long-serving cast member who appeared back in its debut run.
In a major shift for season 10, fellow stalwart Lewis Howden’s character, Sergeant Billy McCabe, is set to take on a much bigger role this year, stepping into the spotlight of the new storyline.
Alison O'Donnell praised Shetland co-star for taking on a bigger role in the 10th series
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This marks the first time that Mr Howden, who has appeared in previous seasons of the Scottish-based drama, has been given a prominent part.
Acknowledging the change, Ms O’Donnell paid tribute to her co-star, saying: “Having Lewis come to the fore was nothing but a pleasure.
“He has won over the hearts of our audience with his nuanced performance, his steady hand, and stylish beard. It was time!
“He has been an untapped resource for so long, and he is such an exceptional actor, so we were all really excited, me especially, as we had so many great scenes together.
Lewis Hoden will return as Sgt Billy Mccabe in the 10th series of Shetland
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“He loved coming up to Shetland with all of us and having some new costumes to wear!”
The murder mystery, produced by ITV Studios for BBC Scotland, first premiered on BBC One in 2013 and has now delivered nine highly successful series.
Originally based on the novels of Ann Cleeves OBE and adapted by David Kane, the drama has kept audiences coming back for over a decade.
“The landscape of the Isles is pretty much purpose-built for drama and the breathtaking magic and beauty of the Isles is our USP,” Ms O’Donnell added. “But I also believe it’s the fictional world we’ve built around that.
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Alison O'Donnell and Lewis Hoden are set to reunite on screen in the new series of Shetland
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“Our wonderful ensemble of returning characters, the epic stories, the characters we meet along the way, the darkness, the intrigue, with a pinch of humour and a big dollop of Scottish trustworthiness… It’s been a recipe for success.”
Series 10 is also set to welcome an impressive guest cast, including Clive Russell as Arthur Mair, Ellie Haddington as Lana Mair, and Niall Macgregor as Tom Jameson.
Joining them are Louise Brealey as Isobel Jameson, Greg McHugh as Colin Waite, Frances Grey as Gina Powell, and Stuart Townsend as Edward ‘Ed’ Tulloch.
“The guest cast are always outstanding. We are so lucky every single year and this year is no exception,” Ms O’Donnell explained.
“It was especially nice this year that most of the cast are playing neighbours from the village, they very quickly became a big gang and forged friendships among themselves which is always so lovely to see.”
Fans have flocked to social media to celebrate the series' return which gets underway this week.
One viewer wrote on X: “Get tuned in! Just in case no one knows! #Shetland.”
Alison O'Donnell and Ashley Jensen will return to Shetland for the 10th series
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“Billy must never leave,” one fan commented, while another praised Billy’s character arc, penning: “Billy is a fantastic character and very well played.”
Returning favourites this season also include Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder, Steven Robertson as Sandy Wilson, and Samuel Anderson as Matt Blake.