Shetland Series Six | Interview with Alison O’Donnell (Tosh)

After a long break, how has it been getting back into the character of Tosh again?

There were three years, a second baby and a global pandemic between Seasons five and six so, for me, suffice to say I had been on a bit of a journey personally. But returning to Tosh was an absolute tonic.

Despite all the seismic changes in real life, she was exactly where I had left her and it felt so wonderfully reassuring to get back into her boots and coat and to pick up where we left off. My first few weeks back I was absolutely buzzing to be out in the world again, working and interacting with people. It felt like a miracle.

Where do we find Tosh now?

Something I have been so grateful for throughout the show is how the writers have allowed for Tosh to grow – and in this series that really reaches a head. She has become so much more mature and capable. There’s a pay-off here for the trust Perez put in Tosh when he first promoted her at such a young age. It was lovely for me to explore those aspects of her and to work with material that really allowed her to shine in her work.

Since we last met Tosh she’s found love with Donnie [played by Angus Miller] – is it nice to explore Tosh’s private life a little more?

Angus Miller is the most popular man on set! Everybody adores him. He’s hilarious and sweet and daft and wonderful. I look forward to our scenes so much. From the moment we met we were so comfortable with each other. We have a really easy relationship and working with him, the feeling that I get, is exactly why I always wanted to be an actress. There’s just something alive between us.

I’ve learned that our scenes are never what I think they’re going to be because once Angus is in front of me things start to happen of their own accord and it’s surprising and thrilling and like being in freefall. I just have to surrender to it and trust that it’s right because that stuff has a life of its own.

What is the case which Tosh, Perez and the rest of the team are faced with investigating this time around?

A very well-known and connected member of the community is killed right at the beginning of the series. It’s a shock as it’s someone everyone knows of, if not knows personally. And because this person is so active in their work and life, there are a LOT of avenues to follow up. Which is great drama – we end up pursuing all sorts of characters from all sorts of walks of life.

And, as ever, there are twists and turns and surprises along the way with some really exceptional performances from our guest cast. I really enjoyed how Shetland-centric this one was. We really get to dig into the local community and uncover a lot of old secrets as we go.

This series sees the return of controversial character Donna Killick [played by Fiona Bell]. Can you explain what has happened?

Donna is terminally ill and has been granted compassionate release from prison. She’s come home to Shetland to see out her days at home and it stirs up a lot of feelings in the community and particularly with those who were personally affected by her actions.

How does Tosh feel about her return? And what about the rest of the team?

It’s tricky for Sandy who is very close with Kate Kilmuir and her daughter Molly. I think he feels pretty compromised by it all.

What do you think are Tosh’s strengths and weaknesses?

Tosh’s strengths are her tenacity, her passion and her emotional intelligence. She can read people well and is able to connect to their vulnerabilities. I think her biggest weakness is not wanting to admit when she needs help. She can be proud. She doesn’t want people to see her weaknesses and perhaps doesn’t look after herself all that well. She works too hard!

Are there any similarities between you and Tosh?

I’d like to think we are similar in some ways. She’s much tougher than me and I’m probably more in touch with myself than her. But we are both hugely committed to our work, single minded about seeing things through and good at being in a team. Also we both like to party – but she’s more pints and the pub and I’m more gin and a dance floor.

What do you think makes a show like Shetland such a draw for audiences all round the world?

The scenery! Shetland is a special place. There’s something so magical and romantic and mysterious about it and I think people like the feelings somewhere like that stirs up in them when they’re cosying up in front of the TV.

We’re also so lucky with our writing team. They never shy away from difficult storylines and big, knotty issues. And of course, Perez. At the heart of it all there is this man who does the right thing. He’s good and just and true. He’s a wonderful person, father, son, colleague, boss… and he uses his power for good. He’s like Aslan.

How has it been filming in the Shetland Isles again?

I feel so lucky that I’ve been able to spend so much time here. It’s under my skin and I can see myself visiting again and again. I loved it when I could hire a car and spend days driving from one insanely beautiful spot to another. And I love it now when I’ve got my family in tow and it’s all parks and beaches and going swimming and to the library. I’ve made some wonderful friends here and many, many memories.

Do you get much time to explore the islands while you’re filming?

It usually works out that my schedule is quieter out here and much busier back in Glasgow when we do all the studio scenes so, yes, I do actually get quite a lot of days off.

I have my favourite cafes and coffee shops that I like to go to. I also love all the little shops on the high street. My baby isn’t a fan of the car so getting further afield isn’t so possible these days but Lerwick has so much to offer. Even just heading down to the harbour and looking at the boats can be so much fun.

Shetland Season Six Begins Wednesday 20 October on BBC One.