Hit BBC crime drama returning for new series – and it’s just weeks away
A HIT BBC crime drama returns for a new series and it is just weeks away.
Originally based on novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the new six-part series was written by Paul Logue and Denise Paul.
Shetland is a Scottish detective television series filmed mainly on the isle of Shetland.
The long-running drama delves into the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth and uncovers secrets and lies from the past.
In the upcoming ninth series, only weeks away, DI Ruth Calder and Tosh team up again for another complicated investigation.
Played by Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, they will be trying to solve a double missing person’s case, which "blurs the lines between the personal and the professional”.
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The investigation will draw Tosh and Calder into a web of lies.
The actor, who played the lead character DI Jimmy Perez in Shetland, left the BBC drama at the end of season seven much to fans dismay.
During series 8, some fans were left unimpressed by Jimmy's replacement in the form of DI Ruth Calder played by Emmy Nominated star Ashley.
One viewer shared: "Looked forward to this but Agatha Raisen. It is putting me off can’t lie. But she’s a good actress and I’m sure after a while this is gonna wear off."
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Another agreed: "Not sure about this so far."
One heartbroken fan admitted they already miss seeing Perez in the opening credits.
However luckily not every Shetland fan felt the same way
One viewer shared: "Ashley's arrival proves the hit crime drama doesn't need a leading man – especially when paired with the brilliant Alison O'Donnell"
Another agreed: " Ashley fitted right in. I thought her ties to the Islands and observations about life in the Shetlands were played well.
Shetland guests this series include Stuart Campbell, from SAS Rogue Heroes, Robert Jack, of Annika, Nalini Chetty, who appeared in Karen Pirie, Jimmy Yuill, from Guilt, and Lesley Hart of Granite Harbour.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here's a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman's war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate while Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.
Returning regulars include Steven Robertson as detective Sandy Wilson and Lewis Howden as sergeant Billy McCabe.
Episode one of Shetland will air on BBC One at 9pm on Wednesday, 6th November.