BBC confirms future of Ashley Jensen’s crime drama Shetland

Virgin Radio

12 Mar 2024, 11:58

We finally know if we’ll be reunited with Detective Ruth Calder in BBC police drama Shetland. 

The broadcaster has confirmed that the Ashley Jensen-led crime series will be back for not one, but two more series with both seasons nine and ten set to film across the Shetland Isles in 2024 and 2025. 

Filming on series nine is set to begin this month with After Life star Ashley back as Calder and Alison O’Donnell reprising her role as Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.

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).

Speaking in a statement announcing the news, Ashley revealed: “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. 

“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.”

Meanwhile co-star Alison added: "I could not be happier that Shetland is returning for two more series 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. 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."

Ugly Betty star Ashley recently stopped by The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with webuyanycar to discuss the most recent series of the massively popular crime caper, which saw Shetland resident Ruth returning to the isles as she follows a fleeing eye witness from a London crime scene.

“Ruth Calder left Shetland as soon as she could, when she was 18 and she doesn’t want to be back,” Ashley said. “She's got her life in London at the Met. Her brain almost works in fast-forward, I think, and London kind of works in fast forward compared to Shetland and the isles.

“So, when she arrives in Shetland, it's two different speeds, almost. So she's just like, ‘Can we get on with this?’”

Catch up with Shetland on BBC iPlayer now.