Production is officially underway for the tenth season of the BBC crime drama Shetland. Ashley Jensen returns as DI Ruth Calder alongside Alison O’Donnell as DI ‘Tosh’ MacIntosh for another six-part investigation set against the distinctive backdrop of the Shetland Isles.
Here’s the Lowdown: Filming has commenced on season 10, confirmed by a photo of leads Jensen and O’Donnell. Several new actors are joining the cast. Samuel Anderson (Amandaland) takes on the recurring role of Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake. Guest stars include Clive Russell (Game of Thrones), Greg McHugh (Fresh Meat), Ellie Haddington (Motherland), Niall MacGregor (Line of Duty), and Stephen McMillan (Boiling Point). The new season focuses on the killing of an elderly retired social worker in a remote hamlet.
What This Means Now: The continuation of the series with Jensen in the lead role, introduced last season, solidifies the show’s new direction following Douglas Henshall’s departure. The addition of familiar faces from other popular UK dramas adds intrigue. Fans can look forward to the show’s return later in 2025. Returning regulars include Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Anne Kidd, Angus Miller, Conor McCarry, and Eubha Akilade.
The Bigger Picture: Shetland remains a significant part of the BBC’s drama output, successfully navigating a major cast change while retaining its atmospheric setting and connection to Ann Cleeves’ source material. The central mystery for season 10, involving dark secrets within a tightknit community, aligns with the show’s established themes. Filming will continue over the coming months ahead of the broadcast later this year on BBC One.
