Ralf Little, best known for his role as DI Neville Parker in Death in Paradise, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Alison O'Donnell on the BBC crime drama Shetland. Bookmaker Betway has given him exclusive odds of 7/1 to step into the role of DS Tosh McIntosh, which O'Donnell has played since 2013.
Alison O'Donnell's Departure
O'Donnell announced her departure from Shetland after more than a decade, stating she is seeking new acting opportunities. The BBC has not yet confirmed the future of the series or whether Tosh will be replaced by another detective. However, bookmakers have released odds on potential successors.
Other contenders include Doc Martin star Martin Clunes at 10/1, and former Shetland star Douglas Henshall, who played Jimmy Henshall before being succeeded by Ashley Jensen's Ruth Calder, at 12/1. Former Shetland star Mark Bonnar has odds of 14/1, while Martin Compston, James Nesbitt, and David Tennant are at 20/1, 25/1, and 33/1 respectively.
O'Donnell's Emotional Farewell
Reflecting on her time on the show, O'Donnell said, "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. It's in my bones and in my heart. As are the isles themselves, which have become like a second home to me and to my family."
New Series Details
O'Donnell's concluding storyline features in a new six-part series of Shetland, which revolves around a historic murder that will permanently alter the lives of all those connected in the present day. She will be joined by returning cast members including 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.
