Shetland's Alison O'Donnell to leave the series after 13 years: 'Playing Tosh has been the greatest gift'
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Shetland is losing an original cast member as Alison O’Donnell has announced she’s leaving the BBC One crime drama after 13 years on the show.
Originally DI Jimmy Perez’s sidekick, DI Tosh McIntosh has become a firm fan favourite over the past decade. Since 2023, she’s been part of a popular double act alongside Ashley Jensen’s DI Ruth Calder.
However, her time on the show will be coming to an end after Shetland series 11. The new series is currently filming in Scotland and will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year.
But after that, Alison O’Connell’s character Tosh will no longer be a part of the show.
Alison O’Donnell is leaving Shetland
Scottish actress Alison O’Donnell, 43, has made the decision to depart Shetland after 13 years on screen
As part of the original cast, Alison debuted the role of Tosh in 2013 in the first TV adaptation of the award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves.
At the time of the announcement, Alison O’Donnell 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.”
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Why is Alison O’Donnell leaving Shetland?
Alison wishes to explore other acting opportunities.
She said: “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.”
‘Alison has truly brought the character of Tosh to life over the years’
Gaynor Holmes, Executive Producer for BBC Drama, said: “Alison has been a pleasure to work with and has truly brought the character of Tosh to life over the years. Her warmth shines through on screen. And we will ensure Tosh is given the fitting farewell she deserves. We are enormously grateful to Alison for everything she has brought to Shetland and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”
Meanwhile, Executive Producer at Silverprint Pictures Kate Bartlett, added: “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.”
When will Tosh leave Shetland?
Alison’s final storyline is part of the “thrilling new six-part” series 11 of Shetland. The new series “centres around an historic murder which will forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day”.
BBC One has not yet revealed how Tosh will leave the series, but they’d better not kill her off or we will riot.
