Shetland series 10: All the new characters and who plays them as detective series returns with 'emotionally complex story'
'The guest cast are always outstanding'
Shetland series 10 is landing on BBC One this week, and there’s an “outstanding” new guest cast joining the popular detective crime drama.
In the upcoming episodes, Calder and Tosh travel to the isolated hamlet of Lunniswick to investigate the killing of an elderly woman. While there, they soon begin to uncover “dark secrets and terrible deeds” at the heart of the close-knit community.
Fans of the long-running series will know that, every year, there’s a new guest cast to accompany the regulars. And 2025’s series 10 is no different.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new guest cast appearing in Shetland series 10 on BBC One.
Who is in the new guest cast of Shetland series 1o?
Shetland series 10 includes a fantastic new cast of guest stars and fresh faces from the world of television, film, and theatre.
Alison O’Donnell, who plays DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh, explained: “The guest cast are always outstanding. We are so lucky every single year. And this year is no exception. It was especially nice this year that most of the cast are playing neighbours from the village. And, so, they very quickly became a big gang and forged friendships among themselves. That’s always so lovely to see.”
Meanwhile, Steven Robertson – who portrays DC Sandy Wilson – added: “This new series has put together an incredible ensemble of guest cast. To be able to work with Clive Russell and Ellie Haddington who play husband and wife, Arthur and Lana Mair… To see two actors of that calibre dealing effortlessly with the really difficult elements to their parts was wonderful to watch. I also know they loved being on Shetland and really embraced the experience.”
Talking about newcomer Stuart Townsend, Steven said: “I loved meeting him. We had some great chats. And, of course, I had to ask him about what it was like to work with Sean Connery [they starred together in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen]. The cast across the board this series has just been incredible.”
DI Calder actress Ashley Jensen agreed, adding: “One of the things I love about this show is the calibre of guest actors we get. This is season 10 and we’re still getting huge names to come along. Greg McHugh, Louise Brealey, Niall MacGregor, Ellie Haddington and Clive Russell joined us this year. For me, working with experienced actors like them, is incredible.”
Shetland series 10 new cast: Ellie Haddington stars as Lana Mair
Who is Lana Mair? Originally from Aberdeen, Lana moved to Shetland when she met her husband, Arthur. In Shetland, she also became close friends with Eadie Tulloch. Lana was a positive and warm person until the tragic loss of her son. Ally died over two decades ago, leaving Lana overwhelmed with grief. In the past few years, she has developed dementia and requires support from her family.
What is Ellie Haddington famous for? Ellie Haddington, 70, joins the cast of Shetland as Lana Mair. But Motherland fans will most definitely recognise her as Julia’s cantankerous mum Marion, who moved in with her daughter in series 3. She quietly died in her armchair while wearing a VR headset and climbing Kilimanjaro (digitally at least).
Veteran actress Ellie has been on our screens for four decades, and famously played Josie Clarke in Coronation Street from 1995 to 1996.
Ellie went on to portray Kathleen in Life Begins in 2004, and Governor Joy Masterton in prison soap Bad Girls. Between 2011 to 2013, she played Carol Porter in The Cafe – opposite Death in Paradise star Ralf Little.
Other notable roles came in Foyle’s War, Dickensian, Ripper Street, and Close to Me. More recently, she’s portrayed Barbara Mitchell in Death in Paradise, Avril Lennox in Crime, Sheila Gemmell in Guilt, and Diane in The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies.
This year, Ellie portrayed Meg McGrath in the Silent Witness episodes Homecoming Part 1 and 2. She also played the mysterious artist Liz in The Rumour. The Aberdeen-born actress has appeared in a multitude of films, too, including Enola Holmes, Operation Mincemeat, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Clive Russell stars as Arthur Mair
Who is Arthur Mair? Born and bred in Shetland, Arthur Mair spent most of his working life on the oil rigs. Kind, caring and uncomplaining, Arthur is very much a ‘doer’ rather than a ‘talker’. Family is important to Arthur, and he is particularly close to his granddaughter Jess, as well as being the sole carer of his wife Lana, who has vascular dementia.
What is Clive Russell famous for? Winchester-born Clive Russell, 79, plays Arthur Mair in the guest cast of Shetland series 10. You’ll definitely recognise the veteran actor from his 65-year career! In fact, the actor – who was actually bought up in Scotland – has been in everything from Game of Thrones, to Hollyoaks!
Soap fans will know him as Phil Nail in Coronation Street, a role he played between 2005 and 2006. And, swapping the cobbles for the Westeros, he played Brynden ‘Blackfish’ Tully in Game of Thrones from 2013 to 2016.
His very first TV appearance was in the 1960’s children’s show The Shari Lewis Show. Clive was just 15 at the time. After small roles in Boys from the Blackstuff, Brookside, and Spender, he portrayed Caleb Garth in the 1994 period drama Middlemarch. That same year, he played Tucker in the David Morrissey drama Finney.
Between 1998 and 2000, Clive starred as Duggie Strachen in the Brummie sitcom Heartburn Hotel. Comedy seemed to be his natural habitat, and he went on to star in Happiness, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, and According to Bex.
Other notable roles include Chief Inspector Fred Abberline in Ripper Street. Frankly, Clive has popped up all over the place recently, in the likes of The Guest, Dept Q, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, and Code 404.
Stuart Townsend plays Edward ‘Ed’ Tulloch
Who is Edward ‘Ed’ Tulloch? Handsome and charming, Ed Tulloch has a certain undeniable allure about him. In his younger years, Ed was a successful poet and his work is well-known across the Shetland Isles. These days, he’s a businessman in the drinks trade. But poetry is in his DNA. Ed’s grief about his mother’s murder is tinged with regret as he had become estranged from Eadie in recent years. For all his charm and easy humour, there’s a sadness to Ed. It’s clear there’s something deeper underneath.
What is Stuart Townsend famous for? Irish actor Stuart, 52, was a heartthrob of the 90s and Charlize Theron’s ex. If he’s not been brought in for DI Calder’s love interest, we will riot. The actor made his name in films, including Shooting Fish, Resurrection Man, About Adam, Queen of the Damned, and Trapped. In 2003, he famously portrayed Dorian Gray in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Moving over to US TV in the 00s, he played Carl Kolchak in Night Stalker, the titular character in XIII: The Series, and Jack McAllister in Betrayal. Other significant TV roles include Dr Samuel Wainwright in Salem. He hasn’t been on TV since 2017. In the past eight years, Stuart has popped up in a few films, but has largely been out of the public eye.
Samuel Anderson plays Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake
Who is Matt Blake? Matt has recently joined the Shetland team as Procurator Fiscal. He’s a bit of a city boy and this is the first time he’s been away from a massive population. He’s a young, ambitious guy and the position he’s climbed to very quickly says a lot about him and his drive and intellect – as well as his desire to do good both for himself and his counterparts.
What else has Samuel Anderson been in? Gavin & Stacey fans will know actor Samuel Anderson as Fingers in the BBC sitcom. Birmingham-born Samuel, 42, recently played Mal in Amandaland, but is probably best known for portraying Ross Kirk in Emmerdale.
In 2014, Samuel starred as Danny Pink in Doctor Who, before going on to play Daniel in Trollied, and William in Another Life. Other significant roles include Jason in Totally Frank, DC Vince Grady in DCI Banks, Leon in Loaded, and Patrick in Witless.
More recently, Samuel has played DC Paul Wilkie in Landscapers, Vinny Mason in Red Rose, Dan in Mammals, DCI Mackenzie in Chemistry of Death, and Samuel in Murder, They Hope.
Fans will know that This City is Ours actress Julie Graham previously held the role of Procurator Fiscal Rhona Kelly.
Shetland series 1o new cast: Greg McHugh stars as Colin Waite
Who is Colin Waite? A well-known local figure, Colin Waite knows everyone in Lunniswick – and their business. That’s why, for some, he’s seen as nosey and a bit judgemental. In recent months, Colin has thrown himself into pulling together the history of the village. Through his research chats, Colin grew close to murder victim Eadie, looking out for her when others turned a blind eye. So, for all his faults, Colin can be kind and thoughtful. That doesn’t change the fact he’s a little eccentric and peculiar, though!
What is Greg McHugh Known for? Edinburgh-born Greg McHugh, 45, is probably best known for his comedy roles. He is the creator, writer and star of the BBC One comedy series Gary: Tank Commander, and also played socially awkward Howard in the Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meat.
Drama fans will know him as Eddie in The A Word. More recently, he’s played Hamish Osborne in A Discovery of Witches, Teddy McLean in Mark Bonnar drama Guilt, and Richard Pritchard in Only Child.
Shetland’s Tom Jameson played by Niall Macgregor
Who is Tom Jameson? Stoic, tacit and unemotional, Tom believes in actions rather than words. Due to a recent heart condition, he’s been unable to work for 18 months, and has been forced to move in with his in-laws, Arthur and Lana Mair, along with his wife Isobel and pregnant teenage daughter Jess. He’s a conflicted and complex character who’s struggling to adapt to his new reality. As a person who always prided himself on providing for his family, Tom’s unsure of who he is anymore.
What is Niall Macgregor famous for? Actor Niall Macgregor has been on our screens for two decades, making his first ever TV appearance opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in To the Ends of the Earth. He went on to star in Monarch of the Glen, Silent Witness, Holby City, and Dalziel and Pascoe.
The jobbing actor is probably most famous for portraying Stan Jessop in Case Histories, and Rich Akers in Line of Duty. Most recently, Niall starred as Alan Turnbull QC in the true crime drama The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
Louise Brealey stars as Isobel Jameson
Who is Isobel Jameson? Born and bred in the quiet hamlet of Lunniswick, Isobel is cheery and hard-working, always putting others before herself – especially her family. It’s been tough for her recently – her husband Tom has been ill, her mother has dementia, and her daughter Jess is pregnant (unplanned). However, Isobel believes that in spite of all the struggles her family is going through, it’ll all come good once her first grandchild arrives. Isobel is hopeful that a new life will bring much-needed joy and focus to the family. However, her optimism will be tested to the limits when tragedy casts a shadow over Lunniswick.
What has Louise Brealey been in before? Northamptonshire-born Louise Brealey, 46, plays Isobel Jameson in the cast of Shetland series 10. Casualty fans know the actress as Roxanne Bird, a role she played between Judy in Bleak House, Anorak in Mayo, and Dr Amelia Frayn in Ripper Street.
Between 2010 and 2017, Louise portrayed Molly Hooper in acclaimed BBC One drama Sherlock. Other big roles have included Jude McDermid in Clique, Gillian Chamberlain in A Discovery of Witches, Beatrix in The Widow, and Sarah Hargreaves in Exile.
More recently, the actress has played Sarah Hargreaves in Exile, Cass in Back, and Pamela Joplin in Lockwood & Co. She’s starred as Deb in the past two series of comedy Such Brave Girls, and will soon portray
Shetland’s Gina Powell played by Frances Grey in the new cast of series 10
Who is Gina Powell? Life hasn’t always been easy on Gina Powell, especially not of late. Gina can be guarded and untrusting, but she wasn’t always this way… Her life took a turn for the worst after her husband was sent to prison for armed robbery and then abandoned her on his release, leaving Gina to raise their son, David, alone. Feeling judged by the locals, Gina distanced herself from her neighbours and has a reputation for being prickly and unapproachable. David is the sole focus in Gina’s life and his recent prison stint has stirred up painful memories from the past, making her more anxious and fearful than ever.
What is Frances Grey famous for? Edinburgh-born Frances Grey, 54, is perhaps best known for playing Erica Campbell in the period drama Home Fires. She played the role between 2015 and 2016. Other notable TV series include 1996’s Accused, 1998’s Vanity Fair, 2000’s Reach for the Moon, and Moira in 2019’s 15 Days.
More recently, Frances has starred as Claire in comedy series Bloods, Pauline Wallace in Six Four, and Mrs Miller in Tom Jones.
Eagle-eyed Shetland fans may remember that she’s popped up in the BBC drama before. In 2014, she played another character – Jess Collins – in series 2.
Stephen McMillan stars as David Powell
Who is David Powell? Painfully shy, lacking in confidence and easily influenced, David spent the last 18 months in prison serving time for housebreaking. Since his release, David has been living back with his mum, Gina, in Lunniswick and is trying to recover from his ordeal. Despite David’s criminality, he is not a bad person. He has made poor choices and this, combined with some bad luck, has sent him down the wrong path. Lonely and anxious, David struck up an odd friendship with Eadie but her murder will bring heartbreak and unwanted attention to him. All David wants is to rebuild his life but that’s easier said than done.
What has Stephen McMillan been in before? Dundee-born actor Stephen McMillan, 25, is a relative pup compared to some of his Shetland co-stars. First of all, he played a squire in the 2018 film Outlaw/King, and subsequently went on to play Jamie in the 2021 stress-filled movie Boiling Point. He reprised the role in the 2023 series.
This year, Stephen starred as Ted Jenkins in the Netflix series Toxic Town.
Shetland series 10 main cast all return
Ashley Jensen will be returning as prickly DI Ruth Calder in the cast of Shetland series 10. The Scottish actress replaced Douglas Henshall’s Jimmy Perez at the beginning of series 8 in 2023.
Before that, Ashley was probably best known for her collaborations with comedian Ricky Gervais. She appeared briefly in The Office, and went on to portray Maggie Jacobs in Extras, and nurse Emma in After Life.
After finding success in the UK, Ashley won the coveted role of Christina McKinney in US hit comedy Ugly Betty, opposite Barbie actress America Ferrera. She starred in the show from 2006 to 2010. Cosy drama fans will know her as the titular heroine in Agatha Raisin, a role she played from 2014 to 2022.
Fan favourite Alison O’Donnell will also be back as Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh. The character was finally promoted to Detective Inspector in Shetland series 9.
Alison O’Donnell, whose role in Shetland is her most significant to date, said: “I could not be happier that Shetland is returning and am so excited to get started. I’m really proud of the journey this show has been on and of the way it continues to evolve and grow in exciting and surprising ways.”
Other regular cast members returning include Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean, Angus Miller as Tosh’s partner Donnie, and Steven Miller as Ruth’s brother Reverend Alan Calder. Eubha Akilade returns as PC Lorna Burns, opposite Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant.
Lewis Howden’s Sergeant Billy McCabe gets a more central role in Shetland series 10. This series sees the case touch on Billy’s personal life for the first time. His wife Morag used to work with the victim, Eadie Tulloch, in Shetland social services.
Who else is in the new cast of Shetland series 10?
Gabriel Akuwudike stars as Chris Burnett. He’s best known for playing Alex in War of the Worlds, Stevie in Ridley Road, and Max Kaplan in Hanna. More recently, Gabriel played Hagen in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Saskia Ashdown portrays Hayley Burnet. She is famous for playing DC Isla Stark in Karen Pirie series 2. Other notable roles include Janessa in Washingon Black, Danielle in The Rig, Orla in Trust Me, and Bryony Davis in Six Four.
Leigh Biagi stars as Morag McCabe. She portrayed Alison Taggart in Taggart between 1985 and 1993. She’s also appeared in Shetland before. She portrayed Anna Blake in 2013’s series 2.
Chloe-Ann Tylor portrays Stevie Shannon. It’s her first significant TV role.
Outside’s Adam Rhazali plays Will Louden.
Outlander’s Joanna Thomson stars as Amy Shannon.
Newcomer Havana Mia Ibar Duncan as Chloe Burnett.
Newcomer Lila Rose stars as teenager Jess Jameson.
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