Shetland has returned for an 11th series on BBC One, with the Scottish detective drama opening on a chilling discovery when the remains of a man are recovered from a car dragged up from the depths. The vehicle is traced back to Dr Raymond Linden, a well-regarded local GP who vanished from the islands nine years ago. What follows is a gripping investigation to locate Dr Linden and establish the identity of the victim. As the detectives delve deeper into the mystery, they must confront Raymond Linden's family, and their pursuit of the truth leads them down unexpectedly sinister and perilous paths.
DI Ruth Calder - Ashley Jensen
Ashley Jensen returns for another series, with the 57-year-old Scottish actress widely recognised for her roles in Extras, Ugly Betty and Agatha Raisin. In August 2023, Jensen tied the knot with Vera actor Kenny Doughty. Ahead of the new series, she spoke candidly about the challenges facing Calder, saying: "I think one of her biggest challenges is feeling abandoned. It's nobody's fault, but she's finally allowed herself to relax. She might even have quietly admitted to herself, 'I'm actually quite content. I'm happy'. And then her whole world is shaken again."
DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh - Alison O'Donnell
Alison O'Donnell makes her final appearance as Tosh, having announced her departure from the show after 14 years. Reflecting on filming her last scenes, she shared: "When something is as seismic as this was, you just can't really take it in as you're doing it. It's like trying to look directly at the sun. It's too big and powerful. So, I just got my costume on and went to set and tried to soak it all in and spend time with my favourite people and serve the scenes."
O'Donnell is a Scottish actress who has previously appeared in minor roles in Holby City and Feel the Force. She is in a relationship with Scottish playwright D.C. Jackson.
DC Sandy Wilson - Steven Robertson
The new series will see Sandy forge a close bond with recluse Donald Pierce, an unusual local figure connected to the case. He is portrayed by Steven Robertson, a 49-year-old Scottish actor known for playing Michael Connelly in Inside I'm Dancing and Dominic Rook in Being Human. Viewers may also recognise him from productions such as Luther and The Bletchley Circle.
PC Billy McCabe - Lewis Howden
Billy has retreated into a more solitary working routine following his demotion, deliberately steering clear of Tosh, whom he feels he failed the most through his past behaviour. He is portrayed by Lewis Howden, whose previous credits include Taggart, Hope Springs and Annika.
Emily Linden - Christine Bottomley
Emily was the Doctor's wife and questions emerge over Emily's account of events and the lengths she will go to in order to protect herself and her family. She is portrayed by Christine Bottomley, a 47-year-old English actress recognised for her performances in Early Doors, Heartbeat, Shameless and The Nest.
Donald Pierce - Gregor Fisher
Donald is a recluse who resides in a modest croft overlooking the pier where Linden's vehicle was submerged. He is portrayed by Gregor Fisher, a 72-year-old Scottish comedian and actor most famous for his portrayal of the lead role in the comedy Rab C. Nesbitt. He also appeared in Love Actually, The Merchant of Venice and Only Child.
Martha Linden - Stella Gonet
Martha is Raymond's mother and her existence is thrown into turmoil by the discovery of Raymond's car. She suddenly feels revived, convinced all her suffering stems from former daughter-in-law Emily. She is portrayed by Stella Gonet, a 65-year-old Scottish theatre actress whose television work includes The House of Eliott and Holby City.
Graeme Gould - Kevin Harvey
Raymond Linden's closest friend and practice partner, who harboured secret feelings for Linden's former wife Emily. The character is portrayed by Kevin Harvey, a Liverpool-born actor widely recognised for his portrayal of Bobby Duffy in This City is Ours. Harvey has also appeared in The Gathering, The Inheritance and Treason.
