Death in Paradise star Ralf Little is the current frontrunner to replace DS Alison "Tosh" McIntosh in the BBC series Shetland, following Alison O'Donnell's departure after 13 years. Bookmaker Betway has given Little odds of 7/1 to join the cast.
Alison O'Donnell leaves Shetland after 13 years
Alison O'Donnell first brought Tosh to life in 2013 in the television adaptation of Ann Cleeves' award-winning novels. In an emotional statement, she confirmed her decision to leave: "Playing Tosh has been the greatest gift an actor could hope for. To be able to stay with the character, to allow her to grow in depth and maturity, and to be consistently rewarded and challenged by the writing and stories, has been such a rich and special experience." She added, "I grew up in this job. It has shaped me as an actor and as a collaborator."
Other candidates for the role
Other names in the running include Doc Martin star Martin Clunes at 10/1, former Shetland star Douglas Henshall at 12/1, Mark Bonnar at 14/1, Martin Compston at 20/1, James Nesbitt at 25/1, and David Tennant at 33/1. The BBC has not confirmed whether Tosh will be replaced or the future of the series.
New series details
Alison's concluding storyline features in a new six-part series of Shetland, which centres around a historic murder that will forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day. Production has recently commenced in Scotland, with Alison returning opposite Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder. The new series welcomes Christine Bottomley, Kevin Harvey, Stella Gonet, Gregor Fisher, and Gavin Mitchell to the cast. Additional guest appearances feature John Wark, Jude Bain, Robin Weaver, John McLarnon, Beth Marshall, Daniel Boyd, Charlene Boyd, and Helen Mackay. Familiar faces include Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Samuel Anderson, Steven Miller, Anne Kidd, Angus Miller, Connor McCarry, and Eubha Akilade. Shetland is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
