Shetland season 9 has officially been confirmed by the BBC, with filming now underway. And, in great news, they've already commissioned a tenth series as well!
When Douglas Henshall left at the end of season 7, the big question was could the series continue to be a success without its leading man?
Well, Shetland season 8 emphatically proved that the show could not only survive but also thrive as Ashley Jensen joined as DI Ruth Calder. She teamed up with regular Alison O'Donnell as Tosh and the pair struck up immediate chemistry. Met Police DI Calder was seen returning to her native Shetland to retrieve a vulnerable witness to a gangland murder. Calder and Tosh soon found themselves involved in a tricky case, which saw murder, secrets and twists galore. At times they had their differences, but ultimately they worked well together and now they will be pairing up again on a fresh case.
Ashley Jensen says: "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."
Alison O'Donnell adds: "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."
Here's everything we know…
Shetland season 9 release date
Shetland season 9 is likely to air late 2024 but we will update this guide as soon as more information is announced.
Shetland season 9 cast
Ashley Jensen will return as DI Ruth Calder and Alison O’Donnell as Tosh. Regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora) also return.
It has also been announced that Ian Hart (Mr Bates VS The Post Office, Harry Potter, The Responder) and Vincent Regan (Traces, Luther: The Fallen Sun, Aquaman) will be joining the cast.
Speaking of his new role, Ian Hart said: "I’m looking forward to embarking on a Shetland adventure – it’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit and to do so with this incredible drama is wonderful."
While Vincent Regan added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Shetland which is such a beloved BBC drama. My character and his family are at the heart of this dark and twisting storyline and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. The opportunity to visit the Shetland Isles was also a real pull to the part as well as working with the likes of Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell."
Other guest actors starring in the forthcoming series include Stuart Campbell (SAS Rogue Heroes, Baptiste), Robert Jack (Annika, Damaged), Nalini Chetty (Crime, Karen Pirie), Jimmy Yuill (Guilt, The Kindred) and Lesley Hart (Granite Harbour, River City).
There are also some familiar faces returning to the crime drama, including Angus Miller as Donnie, Steven Miller as Ruth's brother Rev Alan Calder, Tibu Fortes as PF Harry Lamont, Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant and Eubha Akilade as PC Lorna Burns.
Shetland season 9 plot
The final moments of season 8 saw an emotional Calder running into the sea. She seemed to forget the part about wearing a swimming costume and went in in her clothes! It felt like it set up the next season with Calder now looking to stay on Shetland for the foreseeable and potentially another case. Quite what the case will be we don’t know.
We do know that the new series of Shetland will be written by lead writer Paul Logue and Denise Paul.
Is there a trailer?
No, not yet.
