SHETLAND: ALISON O'DONNELL TO LEAVE BBC MURDER MYSTERY DRAMA AFTER UPCOMING SERIES

Alison O’Donnell is bidding farewell to Shetland, the BBC’s acclaimed murder mystery drama. A Silverprint Pictures production, the new series is currently filming in Scotland and will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year.

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. However, after 13 years on screen, Alison has made the decision to depart Shetland to explore other acting opportunities.

Alison O’Donnell says: “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.”

Gaynor Holmes, Executive Producer for BBC Drama says: “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.”

Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer, Silverprint Pictures, adds: "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."

Alison’s final storyline is part of a thrilling new six-part series of Shetland which centres around an historic murder which will forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day. 

Shetland is loved by millions of fans on BBC iPlayer and BBC One and it was in the top five most watched BBC Drama series of 2025. In Scotland, it remained the No.1 BBC Drama with audiences.

Paul Logue is the lead writer of Shetland S11, alongside Anita Vettesse and Ross Dunsmore. The series is produced by Angus Sharpe and directed by Ruth Carney and Jonny Blair. Executive Producers are Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Paul Logue and Denise Paul for Silverprint Pictures.

Shetland is part of a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland, including Vigil, Rebus, Sutherland, Half Man, Counsels, Grams, The Young Team, Granite Harbour and Mint.Shetland will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

All previous series of Shetland (S1-10) are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.