The BBC crime drama Shetland returns for its 11th series on Thursday evening, with the new run marking Alison O'Donnell's last appearance as DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh.
First broadcast on BBC One in 2013, the series is based on the novels of Ann Cleeves and adapted by David Kane. Each season sees the detectives solving different crimes, from gripping whodunits to family conspiracies.
Douglas Henshall took on a leading role as DI Jimmy Perez in the first seven series, while Ashley Jensen has portrayed DI Ruth Calder from the eighth series onward. DI Tosh has been by their side since the show launched 13 years ago, but will resign from the force.
Who is returning for series 11
Alongside O'Donnell and Jensen, season 11 will also see the returns of Steven Robertson (DC Sandy Wilson), Samuel Anderson (Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake), Steven Miller (Rev Alan Calder), Anne Kidd (pathologist Cora McLean), Angus Miller (Tosh's partner Donnie), Conor McCarry (PC Alex Grant) and Eubha Akilade (PC Lorna Burns).
Sergeant Billy McCabe, played by Lewis Howden, will also return, after his future was left hanging in the balance at the end of season 10.
With the drama gearing up for series 11, many fans are trying to recall why DI Jimmy Perez hung up his detective badge, and if Henshall will return to Shetland.
Why did Douglas Henshall leave Shetland?
Viewers said their goodbyes to DI Jimmy Perez in 2022, when he rode off into the sunset with his partner, Meg, portrayed by Lucianne McEvoy.
In a plot twist that left fans stunned, after proving the innocence of American painter Lloyd Anderson in an old murder case, he made the courageous decision to set him free, which subsequently led to him surrendering his detective badge.
At the time of his departure, Douglas explained: "It's been one of the privileges of my career to play Jimmy Perez for almost 10 years and to work with so many wonderful people both in front of and behind the camera, and also to spend so much time in Shetland. The Isles were so much a part of our show and of Perez himself. I'll miss him and the place."
He revealed that he believed Jimmy's storyline had reached its natural conclusion and that he was eager to explore different opportunities. In conversation with the BBC, he stated: "I decided to leave a few years ago because I felt that Perez's story was coming to a natural end - it was time to find a resolution to Perez's private life. I never wanted to ruin the things that were unique to him and our series, so it felt like the right time to wrap up his story in a way that would be satisfactory to everybody."
He went on: "I am aware we're not changing the world in any way, shape or form but as far as crime shows go, Shetland does really well in that genre. We tell stories that are very good, the characters are great and I wanted to go out on a high."
Is Douglas Henshall returning to Shetland?
Ann Cleeves' latest novel, The Killing Stones, was released in 2025 and continues the story seven years after the previous novel, Red Bones, with Perez moving from his native Shetland to the fresh island setting of Orkney.
Nevertheless, Cleeves believes the television adaptation Shetland will continue to focus on DI Ruth Calder, portrayed by Ashley Jensen. Discussing the potential for Jimmy Perez's screen return, Cleeves stated: "That would be down to Dougie Henshall," according to The Scotsman. "But I don't think so. He has moved on, and I like the two women together; they have a bit of a Cagney and Lacey feel about them. I really enjoy that. I think the TV show is absolutely brilliant," she continued.
However, Douglas has put a stop to any comeback rumours for the time being. During a 2022 interview with This Morning host Alison Hammond, when asked if he would return, Douglas responded: "No, I'm done."
At the heart of Shetland series 11 is a historic murder that is set to affect those connected to the case in the present day. While the show was originally based on Cleeves' book series, the new season isn't based on any in particular. Shetland airs at 9pm on BBC and iPlayer.
