Published: 08:00 am, 3 November 2026
Updated: 11:10 am, 4 November 2026
The series of acclaimed murder-mystery BBC drama Shetland centres on a historic murder, which will forever change the lives of those connected in the present day. As hidden secrets are stirred up from a watery grave, the ripple effects are felt in the community and beyond.
The team makes a grim discovery when a car is dredged from the water and skeletal remains of an unknown male are found in the boot. The car belongs to Dr Raymond Linden, a respected local GP who fled the isles 9 years ago. Then unfolds an investigation to track down Dr Linden and uncover the victim’s identity.
Tosh and Calder meet Linden’s formidable mother Martha (played by Stella Gonet) and brother Eric (John Wark). Martha is convinced that something terrible happened to Raymond, forcing him to leave. But Eric isn’t as convinced.
In contrast, Linden’s ex-wife Emily (Christine Bottomley) gives a very different recollection of her missing husband. Calder and Tosh learn that the doctor was troubled and in turn made her and their son Jonah’s (Jude Bain) life a living hell.
Elsewhere, Sandy meets Donald Pierce (Gregor Fisher), a lonely and overzealous old man, who finds himself unwittingly embroiled in the investigation.
As Calder and Tosh dig deeper to identify the victim in the car, they must delve into Raymond Linden’s state-of-mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind. The investigation takes them to unexpectedly dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth.
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Interviews
Alison O’Donnell (DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh)
At the end of the last series, Tosh faced a struggle between a personal and professional clash after discovering Billy [Lewis Howden] had accepted bribes from his former Sergeant. Billy took Tosh’s advice and came clean, but their relationship is now fraught. As this new series begins, Billy is living with the consequences of his actions and doing everything in his power to avoid Tosh. Will she be able to bury the hatchet with one of her oldest friends?
Where do we find Tosh as the series begins?
Tosh is preoccupied with her relationship with Billy, which is under strain following the events of last series. Although that storyline climaxed in a very tender moment of affection and forgiveness, the real-world consequences of Billy's past mistakes and subsequent confession are now playing out and that is being felt among the team, and particularly with Tosh given her involvement.
Billy's place in the department - both in a practical and emotional sense - has shifted quite dramatically and it has knocked everything, and especially Tosh, off kilter. There's so much to navigate - her guilt, her discomfort, his shame, his regret...it's an unholy cocktail of awkwardness and tension and only exposes further the depth of their history and richness and complexity of their relationship.
I adore Lewis Howden. We've been on this journey for so many years now, and Tosh and Billy have a well-earned chemistry with one another, so it was really nice to have all of this to dive into.
Her relationship with Billy hit a rough patch - do you think it can recover or is it damaged beyond repair?
Tosh and Billy have been through a lot together and I can't imagine a world where they would really allow the rot to set in and give up on one another. But this is a really big deal, and it's not immediately obvious how they're going to find their way back to one another.
However, events in season 11 are going to take them both right to the edge and the silver lining is that this brings about a sense of perspective that helps them to see what's really important.
After over a decade in the drama, you're leaving Shetland... why?
I'm not even really sure I know how to answer this one! It's not down to one particular thing, but rather a coming together of various components.
I've been involved with it for 14 years now and I've been so lucky to have been given so many different storylines and challenges and to have worked with so many extraordinary actors but at this point it feels like we've probably explored it enough. I don't think I would ever have found a moment to step away that didn't feel sad and bittersweet, but something in me said 'leap', and so I did.
What can we expect from Tosh's final storyline (no spoilers please!)?
A wild ride!? These were some of the most challenging scenes I've ever shot for the show. All I can say is there was a huge amount of work involved - the building of special sets, an incredible stunt artist, and some extremely deep emotional digging. Hopefully that doesn't give too much away.
That's the thrilling side of it, but there were also many more thoughtful scenes with all the important people. It's all in there. I think it's a memorable exit. We'll see!
How was it filming those final scenes?
When something is as seismic as this was, you just can't really take it in as you're doing it. It's like trying to look directly at the sun. It's too big and powerful. So, I just got my costume on and went to set and tried to soak it all in and spend time with my favourite people and serve the scenes.
On my final day, a lot of crew came dressed as Tosh. They were all wearing fair isle jumpers and had their hair up in a bun. It was so fun and thoughtful. Our producer Angus [Sharpe] made a speech after we wrapped my final scene but sadly I can't really remember what he said because I was crying, it just came over me. It just felt so overwhelming. I think it's going to take me years to fully process it.
You're one of the original cast alongside Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden and Anne Kidd - was it sad to say goodbye to them?
Yes, in a word. But we're family and that's not going to change. My last day of filming on the Isles was beautiful and sunny and we were in a stunning location overlooking the sea. I was filming with Lewis [Billy] and Angus who plays Donnie, and I took the opportunity to tell them that this would be my last day filming up there. It was really special, as I have such a close bond with both of them, and we were able to have the sort of intense conversations that you don't usually have in life, those conversations that can only really be managed in a moment like that. I'll cherish that day forever.
And Steven [Sandy] and I had many goodbyes! He's been an absolute rock for me in recent times, an emotional guru! And I hope I've been there for him. I hope we can all have a reunion up in the Isles some day!
What will you miss most about filming on the Shetland Isles?
I'll miss the magic and the majesty of the place. How the air feels different and nature and the landscape come to meet you in the most humbling and awe-inspiring way. I'll also miss bringing my family and doing all our favourite trips - Sands of Sound beach and poking around in all the little gift shops. And I'll miss Tosh. She has been a constant companion for over a decade. I loved her tenacity and her humour the way she had no airs and was full of empathy. She gave me so much.
Will you revisit as a tourist sometime in the future?
I will absolutely visit. How could I not? I think I'll need to leave it for a while, just to let myself settle. But I really look forward to coming up in a few years and taking my children back to all our favourite haunts and seeing what's changed and what's the same. And of course I'll have the chance to call in on Steven and do some reminiscing. It'll be nice to be there and just be a tourist!
And do you have a message for the Shetland fans who will miss seeing Tosh on screen?
Just a huge thank you for staying with the show and always being so lovely and supportive. For taking Tosh to their hearts and allowing me to feel so connected to them. I have every faith that the show will continue to thrive and will have lots of exciting new avenues to explore but it's been the most wonderful time and I will miss it terribly.
Ashley Jensen (DI Ruth Calder)
Last time around we saw Ruth come to terms with her past as well as her family’s connection to religion. In Series 11, Ruth finds herself with a new house guest in the form of her brother Alan, who has moved in with her whilst work is done on the manse. Although she pretends to be annoyed, Ruth is secretly coming to enjoy living with her brother. But peace between them is short lived. When the case forces her to look at her behaviour towards those she loves the most, will Ruth be able to let her walls down enough so as not to lose her relationship with the only family she has?
Where do we find Calder as the series begins?
We find her in quite a happy place. She’s settled, and she’s got her brother Alan staying with her. She pretends to be annoyed about it, but I think she’s secretly delighted he’s there. He cooks wonderful dinners and looks after her, even though he’s the wee brother.
At work, she’s comfortable. She knows what she’s doing and has a good relationship with Tosh. They work differently, but there’s a mutual respect and they complement each other. They’ve got a good cop, bad cop approach that works really well.
What is the storyline for this new series?
It all begins when the remains of a man are discovered in a car dredged from the sea. And so begins the investigation — who is he? Who do these bones belong to? It takes the team on a journey through lots of different characters, and everybody’s got a secret to hide. Calder and the team begin to question whether any of these secrets are connected to the victim. As it turns out, they’re all intertwined.
What challenges does Calder face this year?
I think one of her biggest challenges is feeling abandoned. It’s nobody’s fault, but she’s finally allowed herself to relax. She might even have quietly admitted to herself, “I’m actually quite content. I’m happy.” And then her whole world is shaken again.
There’s Alan’s news, what happens with Tosh, and the sheer weight and scale of her job.
Calder and Tosh are both caught up in their own investigations and personal journeys. Calder becomes more emotionally involved this year, and that can affect her judgement. She loses it from time to time.
Calder’s relationship with her brother Alan takes a turn this year. What happens?
They’ve grown really close. Ruth’s quite a solitary character, and it’s taken them a long time to get to a place where they finally have a proper relationship. Just when she thinks they’ve found something, they hit a bump in the road.
She’s genuinely happy in her own company. She doesn’t need a man to validate her or make her feel complete. She lives life on her own terms.
This series sees the exit of Tosh. What impact does this have on Calder?
It’s huge, and not just for Calder. Tosh is such a stalwart of that incident room, and she leaves an enormous hole. For Calder, it almost confirms her belief that she’s better off not getting too close to people, because ultimately they leave. She and Tosh have reached a lovely place in their relationship. They’re comfortable with each other, they have a laugh, they wind each other up, but they really get each other. They complement each other at work, so Tosh leaving changes everything. How will Ruth react? Well, she can be quite emotionally dismissive, which sometimes comes across as brutal. Only time will tell.
What was it like to say goodbye to Alison?
Oh, it was so hard, but really lovely too. For her last scene, the crew all came in wearing Tosh jumpers. There were tears!
Shetland has been such a huge part of Alison’s life, and she absolutely owned it. She was so welcoming when I joined, and we’ve got on brilliantly ever since. I completely understand why she’s leaving, but it’s bittersweet. I’ll miss her terribly.
You have a comedy background, as do two of the guest cast, Gregor Fisher and Gavin Mitchell. What was it like working with them?
Magical. I worked with Gregor many years ago, so it was wonderful to be reunited with him. And Gavin was an absolute joy to have on set. I think comedy actors can move into drama far more easily than people realise. They’re often much more versatile than they’re given credit for. Gregor and Gavin both play gritty, emotional roles that have a huge impact on the story.
And that’s what I love about Shetland. Nothing is black and white. There are so many grey areas with these complex characters. The law is the law, of course, but as an audience you’re aware of the human element behind these crimes. That’s what makes it so compelling.
The Shetland team are famous for their theme-night parties. What was it this year, and what did you dress up as? You’re always so creative!
They’re legendary! This year the theme was “Vikings & Queens”, and I think I may have surpassed myself. I made a fine Viking!
I walked into the party and nobody recognised me. I was standing next to the make-up girls when I heard someone say, “Who’s that guy?” So I just wandered around, had a wee dance, and eventually announced, “It’s me!” I loved my beard so much I even did a little photoshoot before the party.
These nights are always such fun. We’re all away from home, so we really throw ourselves into them. I think it’s important never to lose your inner child or your sense of playfulness.
What do you think is the enduring appeal of the show?
In one word — Shetland. The location is ultimately the star of the show. But the characters are so relatable too, even the suspects. The police have lives beyond their investigations, and we’re allowed into those lives, so we care about them.
Calder, for instance, is brilliant at her job, but she fails a bit at life. She’s not perfect. She’s human. I mean, she even eats a crisp sandwich at work! She can be quite undignified and messy, which I love.
For me, Shetland has it all — colourful, complex characters set against this extraordinary, beautiful landscape.
What do you love most about location filming on the Shetland Isles?
As an actor, it really helps root you in your character. You walk the streets, you get to know the landscape, and you feel part of the place. There’s something magical about being up there. It unifies the cast and crew, and I think we all feel drawn to it. We’re genuinely excited to go back each year. We make our own entertainment too. Some of the crew go wild swimming. I don’t, because I’m convinced I’d get hypothermia if I started regularly throwing myself into the sea!
There’s a slower pace of life, which is lovely. And I think the guest cast feel incredibly lucky to spend time there. It’s such a lovely job.
The Shetland Team
DC Sandy Wilson (Steven Robertson)
This series will see Sandy become close with recluse Donald Pierce, a strange local who is involved in the case. Seeing potentially his own future mapped out for him, Sandy makes positive steps in his personal life to ensure he doesn’t miss out on a chance at happiness.
PC Billy McCabe (Lewis Howden)
With the shame and embarrassment of his previous actions still fresh in his mind, Billy has taken a more solitary work schedule, now that he has been demoted to PC from Sergeant. Part of this is penance, part of it is to avoid seeing Tosh, whom he feels he let down the most. But as this series unfolds, Billy’s connection to Tosh proves vital and he is able to make amends for his own wrongdoing.
Guest Characters
Emily Linden (Christine Bottomley)
Emily was the ideal Doctor’s wife. Considerate, discrete and supportive; she was a good partner to Raymond Linden and a devoted mother to Jonah. Ten years later, Emily cuts a sadder figure than she once did.
But Emily had to fight to get where she is. She comes from a rough and chaotic background. Emily is a Logan - a notorious brood on Shetland. There’s much to admire in Emily’s polished façade but underneath, she’s still a Logan. She’s dangerous when cornered.
When the past is pulled into the future, Emily’s main concern is protecting her son Jonah from the truth. But as the investigation goes on, questions arise over Emily’s version of the truth and how far she will go to protect herself.
Donald Pierce (Gregor Fisher)
Donald lives in a small croft that overlooks the pier where Linden’s car was sunk. Donald is a hoarder, his house is crammed with junk. Donald is lonely, having lost touch with his family which has made him obsessive but harmless. Truth be told, he just wants company.
Suddenly enthralled by the excitement of the discovery of the body in the water nearby, Donald tries to befriend Sandy by offering up theories. When Donald sees a strange figure lurking around the crime scene, he goes straight to Sandy. However, Sandy isn’t convinced until someone breaks into Donald’s house and injures him. Could Donald be a key part of the case?
Martha Linden (Stella Gonet)
Martha has lived a small life ever since her husband died. That life got even smaller when her beloved son, Raymond, ‘went away’. She spends all her days stuck in her home and over-relies on her other son, Eric. Despite her issues, she’s still to be reckoned with - outspoken, emotional and controlling. A drama empress.
When her world is turned upside down by the discovery of Raymond’s car, Martha is brought back to life; believing all her anguish to be caused by former daughter-in-law Emily. She is determined not to let Emily ruin her grandson Jonah like she did her son. However, when the horrors of the past become clear, Martha’s family is in jeopardy of being torn apart.
Graeme Gould (Kevin Harvey)
Raymond Linden’s best friend and practice partner. Graeme is well-meaning but ultimately flawed prone to making clumsy decisions. In fact, whether he likes it or not, Graeme has always been in Linden’s shadow. This is no more evident than in his relationship with Emily. Graeme always loved Emily from afar and used Linden’s fall from grace to get close to her.
When Linden disappeared for good, Graeme suddenly realised he could use it to get everything he wanted. Specifically, a life with Emily. But when the lies he told for his own gain are suddenly exposed, everything he gained he now stands to lose and Graeme will realise the hard way that there are consequences for his actions.
English (US) ·