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Douglas Henshall to depart Shetland

Star of Scottish mystery series to exit after nearly a decade, to explore other acting opportunities.

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Douglas Henshall will depart UK mystery Shetland as DI Jimmy Perez at the end of the upcoming seventh series, to explore other acting opportunities.

A new lead and further casting to be announced for an eighth series in 2023.

Henshall debuted the role of DI Perez in 2013 in the first TV adaptation of thenovels by crime writer Ann Cleeves.

Douglas Henshall says: “After series 5 of Shetland, David Kane and I decided we wanted to do two more series to complete the story of Jimmy Perez. So series 6 and 7 were commissioned together to give us time to wrap up Perez’s story to a satisfactory end. It’s been one of the privileges of my career to play Jimmy Perez for almost ten years and to work with so many wonderful people both in front of and behind the camera, and also to spend so much time in Shetland. The Isles were so much a part of our show and of Perez himself. I’ll miss him and the place. I wish everyone involved much luck with whatever happens next.”

Gaynor Holmes, Executive Producer for BBC Drama says: “It has been an absolute privilege to work on Shetland over the past few years and watch the show go from strength to strength – in no small part thanks to Douglas’s sensitive, intelligent and memorable portrayal of DI Jimmy Perez. We will miss him enormously but he leaves the show in rude health and we’re extremely excited about the plans we have for bringing more of this much loved drama to audiences far and wide.”

Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer, Silverprint Pictures, adds: “It has been amazing to have the opportunity to complete the story of Jimmy Perez and Douglas Henshall is outstanding in the role. We had an incredible Scottish cast and crew and David Kane has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story that unfolds against the stunning, evocative landscapes of Shetland. I’m very proud of this series and excited for the new series to come.”

Series regulars are Alison O’Donnell (Tosh), Steven Robertson (Sandy), Mark Bonnar (Duncan), Anne Kidd (Cora), Lewis Howden (Sgt Billy McCabe), Erin Armstrong (Cassie), Angus Miller (Donnie) and Anneika Rose (Maggie Kean). Series 7 also sees the return of Julie Graham as Procutar Fiscal Rhona Kelly.

Series 8 will start filming from Spring 2023 in locations on the Shetland Isles and across Scotland.

Shetland has screened in Australia on BBC First and ABC.

4 Responses

  1. I will miss Douglas Henshall. Like his dreamy accent and face. I will hopefully get s6-8 dvd too. Thank you David for this article. Hopefully it wont be too long before its screened here.

  3. David, has there been any word when Season 6 gets its FTA broadcast? Must be soon cos the last couple of series have been paired with Grantchester.

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