Alison O'Donnell, who plays Tosh in the BBC crime drama Shetland, has opened up about her decision to leave the series after 14 years. The actress said it was not down to one particular thing but a coming together of various components.
Why Alison O'Donnell is leaving Shetland
Discussing her departure, O'Donnell admitted: "I'm not even really sure I know how to answer this one! It's not down to one particular thing, but rather a coming together of various components."
She continued: "I've been involved with it for 14 years now, and I've been so lucky to have been given so many different storylines and challenges and to have worked with so many extraordinary actors, but at this point it feels like we've probably explored it enough."
"I don't think I would ever have found a moment to step away that didn't feel sad and bittersweet, but something in me said 'leap', and so I did."
What fans can expect from her final storyline
Revealing what viewers can anticipate from her concluding storyline, the actress said: "A wild ride!? These were some of the most challenging scenes I've ever shot for the show."
"All I can say is there was a huge amount of work involved - the building of special sets, an incredible stunt artist, and some extremely deep emotional digging. Hopefully that doesn't give too much away."
She added: "That's the thrilling side of it, but there were also many more thoughtful scenes with all the important people. It's all in there. I think it's a memorable exit. We'll see!"
Her legacy in the series
O'Donnell was part of the original cast of the BBC's acclaimed murder mystery series when it aired in 2013. She played DS Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh, the right-hand of Douglas Henshall's DI Jimmy Perez. Alongside Steven Robertson's DC Sandy Wilson, she was one of the few members of the cast to remain in the show from the beginning.
The 11th series of Shetland, based on the books by Ann Cleeves, is a six-part series set to follow a historic murder that changes the lives of everyone connected in the present day.
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."
Shetland returns to the BBC on November 12, with Tosh and DI Ruth Calder, portrayed by Ashley Jensen, cracking their final case together.
