Alison O'Donnell, the actress who has portrayed DS Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh on the BBC series Shetland since 2013, has announced her departure from the show after 13 years. The news has left fans devastated.
A Fond Farewell to a Beloved Character
O'Donnell was a founding cast member of the television adaptation of Ann Cleeves' award-winning crime novels. Now, after more than a decade, she has decided to leave the role to pursue new acting opportunities.
In an emotional statement, 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: 'And to have had the support and loyalty of our wonderful audience has meant so much. I feel so incredibly lucky to have worked with so many hugely talented people both on and off screen.'
O'Donnell continued: '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.'
Production Team Reacts
Gaynor Holmes, Executive Producer for BBC Drama, said: 'Alison has been a pleasure to work with and has truly brought the character of Tosh to life over the years. Her warmth shines through on screen, and we will ensure Tosh is given the fitting farewell she deserves. We are enormously grateful to Alison for everything she has brought to Shetland and can't wait to see what the future holds for her.'
Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer at Silverprint Pictures, remarked: '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.'
Fan Reaction
Devoted Shetland viewers took to social media to express their devastation. One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'No Tosh and no Jimmy,' accompanied by crying emojis.
What's Next for Shetland?
Alison's concluding storyline features in a thrilling 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 on the newest series has recently commenced in Scotland, with O'Donnell returning to her role 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. O'Donnell and Jensen will be accompanied by familiar faces, including Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Samuel Anderson, Steven Miller, Anne Kidd, Angus Miller, Connor McCarry, and Eubha Akilade.
Shetland can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
