Shetland fans have all made the same plea after the BBC announced the detective drama would be returning for two further seasons – without Douglas Henshall.
Henshall unexpectedly announced his departure from the show just one month before the seventh season finale aired in August 2022.
He noted that he thought the show and his character Jimmy Perez had “run its course” and felt “very comfortable” with his decision – citing he was ready to explore other acting opportunities.
It was announced yesterday that Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell will reprise their roles as Detective Ruth Calder and Alison “Tosh” McIntosh for two new seasons - despite Jensen's debut in series eight not being short of backlash.
Shetland was the second biggest drama of the year in Scotland across all channels and streaming services in 2013, just missing out on top spot to Happy Valley.
Filming for the ninth season will begin across Scotland later this month, with Jensen admitting she was “thrilled” to be playing the part of Calder again.
Shetland will be returning for two more series
BBC
“The reaction to the last series was incredible and I’m excited at the prospect of unravelling more intrigue.
“The Shetland Isles are breath-taking – without a doubt one of the most memorable and unique filming locations I’ve been to.”
O’Donnell added she “could not be happier” about returning and said: “Ashley and I just scratched the surface of our dynamic in series eight and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on that.”
Series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora) are also confirmed to return.
Ashley Jenson and Alison O’Donnell will reprise their roles as Detective Ruth Calder and Alison “Tosh” McIntosh
BBC
Filming is scheduled to take place throughout both 2024 and 2025.
Despite the actors being excited to return, the same can’t be said for a section of fans who have a special place in their hearts for Jimmy Perez.
Taking their thoughts to X, one fan noted: “I just can’t. Sorry. Douglas Henshall is and will only be the detective of #Shetland."
“I miss Douglas Henshell. The Ashley Jensen character is a bit hot headed for a senior police officer. Tosh could lead the series better,” another added.
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Douglas Henshall left Shetland in 2022
BBC
“Not a fan of Ashley Jensen so not watching anymore, ever,” a third fumed before another quipped: “I will NOT be returning TO THIS SHOW! BBC sucks!! No way I’m watching this after firing the star!!!”
However, not everyone was eager to show their disappointment for Henshall not being there, as one user praised: “Fabulous! Of course, I miss @djhenshall and was gutted when he left...
“We know how good @AtotheOD is - I loved the last series. We don't know enough about Ashley Jenson's character - she was fab, as always. I'm really looking forward to it,” one excited viewer wrote.
While a second also defended the series by simply typing: "Oh wow! Love that it's coming back onto our screen #series9#Shetland."
