Popular BBC crime drama Shetland returns for its 11th series this week.
First broadcast in 2013, the series was originally based on the novels of Ann Cleeves and adapted by David Kane.
Douglas Henshall starred as DI Jimmy Pérez in the first seven series, while Ashley Jensen portrayed DI Ruth Calder from the eighth series.
The new series will notably be the final one for Alison O'Donnell as DS (later DI) Alison "Tosh" McIntosh, a role she has played since the first.
The 11th series Shetland centres on a historic murder that will "forever change the lives of those connected in the present day".
A synopsis reads: "The team makes a grim discovery when a car is dredged from the water and skeletal remains of an unknown male are found in the boot.
"The car belongs to Dr Raymond Linden, a respected local GP who fled the isles 9 years ago. Then unfolds an investigation to track down Dr Linden and uncover the victim’s identity.
"Tosh and Calder meet Linden’s formidable mother Martha and brother Eric.
"Martha is convinced that something terrible happened to Raymond, forcing him to leave. But Eric isn’t as convinced.
"In contrast, Linden’s ex-wife Emily gives a very different recollection of her missing husband.
"Calder and Tosh learn that the doctor was troubled and, in turn, made her and their son Jonah’s (Jude Bain) life a living hell.
"Elsewhere, Sandy meets Donald Pierce (Gregor Fisher), a lonely and overzealous old man, who finds himself unwittingly embroiled in the investigation.
"As Calder and Tosh dig deeper to identify the victim in the car, they must delve into Raymond Linden’s state of mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind.
"The investigation takes them to unexpectedly dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth."
Shetland series 11 full cast list
Here are all the confirmed cast for Shetland series 11, with some actors' guest roles yet to be revealed.
- Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder
- Alison O'Donnell as DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh
- Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson
- Lewis Howden as PC Billy McCabe
- Samuel Anderson as Matt Blake
- Anne Kidd as Cora McLean
- Angus Miller as Donnie Russell
- Steven Miller as Rev. Alan Calder
- Christine Bottomley as Emily Linden
- Kevin Harvey as Graeme Gould
- John Wark as Eric Linden
- Stella Gonet as Martha Linden
- Gregor Fisher as Donald Pierce
- Janina Elkin as Olena Henyka
- Alan Convy as Cameron Ford
- Eubha Akilade as PC Lorna Burns
- Jude Bain as Jonah Linden
- Beth Marshall as Nora Shand
- Gavin Mitchell as Murray Ross
- Robin Weaver as Sandra Ross
- Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant
- Ewan Miller as Raymond Linden
Why is Alison O'Donnell leaving Shetland?
It was revealed in June that Alison O'Donnell will be leaving Shetland after series 11.
The BBC said that Alison made the decision to depart to explore other acting opportunities.
On her exit, she 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.
"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.
“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.”
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When does Shetland series 11 start?
Series 11 of Shetland begins on BBC One on Thursday (November 12) at 9pm, with episodes airing weekly.
All previous series of Shetland (series 1-10) are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Will you be watching the new series of Shetland? Let us know in the comments.
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