Alison O'Donnell, known for her role as DS Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh in the BBC drama Shetland, has announced her departure from the series after 13 years. The actress, who has been with the show since its inception in 2013, is leaving to explore new acting opportunities.
A Beloved Character's Farewell
O'Donnell was part of the original cast of the acclaimed murder mystery series, playing the right-hand officer to Douglas Henshall's DI Jimmy Perez. Alongside Steven Robertson's DC Sandy Wilson, she was one of the few cast members to appear continuously from the beginning. The BBC confirmed that O'Donnell wished to step away to pursue other roles.
In a statement, O'Donnell expressed her gratitude: '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. And to have had the support and loyalty of our wonderful audience has meant so much.'
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. It’s not going to be easy to leave it all behind, but I am excited for the future, for new adventures, and to take everything I have learned and loved in Shetland forward with me, to whatever may come next.'
What's Next for Shetland?
Shetland has aired 10 series, with an 11th set to premiere in 2026. O'Donnell is expected to appear in the upcoming series, as executive producer Gaynor Holmes assured fans that Tosh will receive 'the fitting farewell she deserves.' The 11th series, based on Ann Cleeves' books, will consist of six episodes and follow a historic murder that impacts everyone connected in the present day.
The show previously saw the departure of DI Jimmy Perez after series seven, as Henshall felt it was time to move on. Perez resigned after allowing a suspect to escape execution. He left alongside Duncan Hunter, played by Traitors star Mark Bonnar. Following Perez's exit, some speculated that Tosh would take the lead, but instead, Ashley Jensen joined as DI Ruth Calder, creating a two-hander dynamic.
Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer at Silverprint Pictures, said: 'It has been such a privilege to work with Alison and see her incredible performances grow and evolve over each series of Shetland. Tosh is a truly beloved character, with such huge empathy and warmth, and we will all be so sad to see her leave. Alison has been outstanding in the role and I can't wait to see what she does next.'
