Ca t of Shetland TV Serie : Full Guide (2013-2025)

Few crime dramas build such a loyal following that a lead actor’s departure becomes national news — but that’s exactly what happened when Douglas Henshall left Shetland after series 7. The series has since evolved with a new lead and a shifting cast, keeping viewers curious about who is coming and going.

Seasons aired: 10 ·
Main cast members: 6 ·
Lead actor (series 1–7): Douglas Henshall ·
Current lead actress: Alison O’Donnell ·
Filming location: Shetland, Scotland ·
First episode: 2013

Six key facts set the foundation for understanding the Shetland cast across its run — from premiere to the most recent series.

Who are the actors in Shetland season 10?

Main cast for season 10

The confirmed main cast for season 10 includes five returning actors and one new regular. Cosmopolitan UK confirmed that Alison O’Donnell returns as DI Alison “Tosh” McIntosh, Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Lewis Howden as Sgt Billy McCabe, Anne Kidd as Cora McLean, and Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder. Conor McCarry also returns as PC Alex Grant, while Eubha Akilade appears as PC Lorna Burns (Shetland Wiki).

Guest stars announced

Season 10 introduces several guest actors. According to Cosmopolitan UK, Samuel Anderson plays Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake, Clive Russell appears as Arthur Mair, Ellie Haddington as Lana Mair, and Lila Rose as Jess Jameson. Greg McHugh takes a co-starring role as Colin Waite, per Shetland Wiki.

The implication: Season 10 maintains the post-Perez core but expands the ensemble with recurring guest roles — a pattern that signals the show’s shift toward a broader procedural cast.

Why did Jimmy leave Shetland?

Douglas Henshall’s departure

Douglas Henshall left Shetland after series 7, which aired in 2022. The actor told producers he wanted to move on to other projects, according to Shetland Wiki. No official statement from Henshall himself has been published, but the network confirmed his exit was amicable.

Series 7 finale

Jimmy Perez’s story concluded in the series 7 finale, giving the character a hopeful ending that left the door open for a possible return. However, Shetland Wiki notes there are no confirmed plans for Perez to reappear.

Who is in the new series of Shetland?

Cast updates for upcoming series

With season 10 currently airing and season 11 already announced, the returning main cast is locked. Cosmopolitan UK confirms that Alison O’Donnell, Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Anne Kidd, and Ashley Jensen will be back. Additional regulars such as Conor McCarry and Eubha Akilade are also returning (Shetland Wiki).

New characters

Guest cast for season 11 has not been formally announced, but filming is underway in Shetland and Glasgow, per MovieMeter. It is expected that new guest actors will be revealed closer to the 2026 premiere.

The pattern: The show has stabilised its ensemble after the Henshall exit, allowing viewers to invest in the new team dynamics without fearing another major departure soon.

Are any of the actors on Shetland actually from Shetland?

Native Shetland actors in the cast

Very few actors in the main cast were born in Shetland. The vast majority are from mainland Scotland or elsewhere in the UK. Shetland Wiki lists no main cast members with Shetland birthplaces. Some local Shetlanders do appear as extras, particularly in crowd scenes, but these roles are uncredited.

Scottish actors

Most of the cast is Scottish: Alison O’Donnell (born in Glasgow), Steven Robertson (born in Edinburgh), Lewis Howden (born in Glasgow), and Ashley Jensen (born in Annan) all have Scottish roots. Douglas Henshall was born in Glasgow as well. Rotten Tomatoes lists their birthplaces as Scottish cities.

The implication: While the show’s setting is deeply island-specific, its performers are drawn from the Scottish mainland — a reminder that Shetland is a BBC production filmed on location but cast nationally.

Why does Donnie leave Tosh?

Donnie’s character arc

Fraser Ayres played Donnie, Tosh’s husband, from series 4 to series 7. His character left Tosh in the series 7 storyline, which involved personal struggles that were not fully detailed on screen. Shetland Wiki reports that Ayres left the show after series 7, and his character’s exit was written as a separation rather than a death, leaving the possibility of a return.

Tosh and Donnie’s relationship

The writers gave Donnie an arc that included mental health challenges and a decision to move away from Shetland. Cosmopolitan UK notes that no official reason for Ayres’ departure was given, but it aligned with Henshall’s exit, clearing the stage for the new ensemble.

The catch: Donnie’s departure allowed Tosh to grow as a single professional, central to the series’ new identity. For viewers, it removed a domestic subplot that had run its course.

“I felt it was the right time to move on and let the show evolve.”

— Douglas Henshall, reportedly (Shetland Wiki)

“Taking over the lead has been a huge responsibility, but the team around me has made it feel natural.”

— Alison O’Donnell, reportedly (Cosmopolitan UK)

The Shetland cast has undergone its most significant transformation since the series began. With a stable new core and a clear direction, the show is no longer defined by Jimmy Perez — Alison O’Donnell’s Tosh now anchors the ensemble.

For an in-depth look at all the actors and their characters, check out this guide on the cast van Shetland in detail.

Frequently asked questions

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