Shetland series 11: BBC One reveals juicy update on crime drama including guest stars and future of beloved character
Filming has begun on the new series of the acclaimed BBC murder mystery drama
Shetland series 11 has begun filming and BBC One has teased some essential details for die-hard fans of the long-running crime drama (us).
The hit BBC show will return later this year with a brand new guest cast, and a compelling new murder mystery. Of course, we’ll also see the return of Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell as DI Ruth Calder and DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh, alongside some of Shetland’s other popular characters.
Viewers who watched the series 10 ending, will know that scriptwriters left the fate of Lewis Howden’s Billy McCabe hanging.
So who is returning in the cast of Shetland series 11? Here’s everything we know about the upcoming episodes, including plot, start date, and latest news.
Is there a series 11 of Shetland?
There’s great news for fans of the crime drama, as the series will return for a series 11. Even better, cast and crew are already filming the upcoming episodes on location in Scotland.
Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the forthcoming new series centres around an historic murder which will forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day.
Like previous series of Shetland, there will be an ensemble of guest actors on board to play the suspects.
Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures told us: “We’re so excited about this new series of Shetland with Ashley and Alison, alongside our wonderful returning cast and a fantastic guest cast. Writer Paul Logue has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of the Shetland Isles. We’re thrilled to be making this new series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of production.”
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What’s the plot?
This year, Ruth Calder and Tosh are called to investigate when a car is pulled from the water and a grim discovery is made… Crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. The team must uncover the victim’s identity, beginning with a hunt for the vehicle’s owner. Who just happens to be a respected, local GP who left the Isles “under a cloud of troubled rumours” nine years before.
The BBC synopsis says: “As Calder and Tosh dig deeper into the enigmatic GP’s state-of-mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind, the investigation takes them to dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth.”
Gaynor Holmes, Commissioning Editor for the BBC said: “This new series of Shetland is brimming with twists, turns, and the kind of emotional punch that keeps viewers hooked. Writer Paul Logue has once again spun a gripping, atmospheric story, with the wild beauty of the Shetland Isles at its heart.
“Alison and Ashley lead our stellar core cast who are joined by a brilliant line‑up of guest stars and supported by a crew whose craft and passion shine through in every frame – together showcasing Scotland on screen at its very best.”
Who is returning in the cast of Shetland series 11?
Of course, Shetland wouldn’t be the same without Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell reprising their roles as DI Ruth Calder and DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.
Series regulars Steven Robertson will be back playing DC Sandy Wilson, alongside Samuel Anderson as Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake, Steven Miller as Ruth’s brother Rev Alan Calder, Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean, and Angus Miller as Tosh’s partner Donnie.
Conor McCarry will also be back as PC Alex Grant, opposite Eubha Akilade as PC Lorna Burns. Crucially, fans will be glad to hear that actor Lewis Howden will return as Billy McCabe. His fate was left hanging at the end of the previous season. Fan-favourite Billy withheld evidence in an historic investigation, which is considered a serious breach of the law. Billy could even face criminal charges of perverting the course of justice.
Guest cast of Shetland series 11
The guest stars in Shetland series 11 include:
- Sherwood and Back to Life actress Christine Bottomley.
- This City Is Ours’ Kevin Harvey.
- Holby City’s Stella Gonet.
- Rab C. Nesbitt’s Gregor Fisher.
- Still Game’s Gavin Mitchell.
- Lockerbie: A Search for Truth’s John Wark.
- Let It Come Down’s Jude Bain.
- Love Hurts’ Robin Weaver.
- Crime’s John McLarnon.
- Karen Pirie’s Beth Marshall.
- House of the Dragon’s Daniel Boyd.
- River City’s Charlene Boyd.
- DCI Banks’ Helen Mackay.
When is the start date?
The cast of crew of Shetland is currently filming in locations around Scotland and on the Shetland Isles. This will take several months.
Series 11 of Shetland is expected to arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year. The usual start date is around November, so watch this space for more updates.
Shetland is part of a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland. These include Richard Gadd’s upcoming Half Man, new legal drama Counsels, Grams, The Young Team and Mint. Scotland is also home to returning drama series Rebus, Vigil, and Granite Harbour.
Read more: Rebus series 2: BBC detective drama starring Richard Rankin confirmed following ‘critical acclaim’
