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Ashley Jensen joins Shetland

Ashley Jensen to become new lead in Scottish mystery in 2023.

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Minor spoiler:

Ashley Jensen (Mayflies, After Life, Ugly Betty, Extras) will lead the cast of Scottish murder mystery drama Shetland when it returns in 2023

Jensen will star as DI Ruth Calder, a native Shetlander who returns to the isles after 20 years working for the Met in London. Ruth takes on the lead detective role left vacant by DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) working closely with DS Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (Alison O’Donnell) and will make her debut when the series returns next year.

Originally based on novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the next series of Shetland will see Jensen join series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora). Further casting are yet to be announced.

Ashley Jensen says: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Shetland as DI Ruth Calder. It’s such a hugely successful show and I am aware I have very big boots to fill since the departure of DI Perez, who was very much loved by fans of the show.

“There will be a different dynamic with Ruth amongst the regular characters and a few more new interesting characters to enjoy. However the integrity of the show and the world that has been created will remain very much in the same tone as the last seven seasons. It’s a real privilege to be asked to lead this show into a new chapter. I can’t wait to be working in Scotland again. I have missed it!”

Gaynor Holmes, Commissioning Editor for the BBC says: “I am absolutely delighted that Ashley is joining the stellar cast of Shetland. Ashley is an immensely accomplished and well-loved actress who is known internationally and we can’t wait to welcome her into the Shetland family when filming begins in the spring.”

Kate Bartlett, executive producer for Silverprint Pictures says: “We’re so thrilled that Ashley is going to be leading this new series of Shetland, alongside Alison O’Donnell as Tosh. They will be an exciting duo in Paul Logue’s compelling new version. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to make another series with such incredible Scottish talent.”

The series which screens in Australia on BBC First and ABC will film in locations on the Shetland Isles and across Scotland.

3 Responses

  1. Sad to see Jimmy Perez aka Douglas Henshall (Slainte Mhath) go off into the sunset at least he wasn’t killed off as often happens, he’s a great Scottish actor I love but then I’m biased being a proud scot myself as for Ashley there has not been a show with her in I have not sat back and enjoyed. Looking forward to S8 and hopefully more AR.

  2. Pleasantly surprised by this announcement. Excellent choice. I guess she’ll be flipping between this and Agatha Raisin or is AR on hold for the time being?

    Equally minor spoiler for season 6, ep 1: I presume Bill Paterson was tied up with House of the Dragon to be unavailable for S6. “New dad” threw me a bit.

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