Alison O’Donnell to go away Shetland after 13 years within the position of Tosh

Alison O’Donnell is bidding farewell to Shetland, the BBC’s acclaimed homicide thriller drama. A Silverprint Pictures manufacturing, the brand new collection is at present filming in Scotland and can air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this yr.

As a part of the unique forged, Alison debuted the position of Tosh in 2013 within the first TV adaptation of the award-winning novels by crime author Ann Cleeves. However, after 13 years on display, Alison has made the choice to depart Shetland to discover different performing alternatives.

Alison O’Donnell says: “Playing Tosh has been the best reward an actor might hope for. To be capable of stick with the character, to permit her to develop in depth and maturity, and to be persistently rewarded and challenged by the writing and tales, has been such a wealthy and particular expertise. And to have had the assist and loyalty of our fantastic viewers has meant a lot. I really feel so extremely fortunate to have labored with so many vastly proficient folks each on and off display.

“I grew up in this job. It has shaped me as an actor, and as a collaborator. It’s in my bones and in my heart. As are the isles themselves, which have become like a second home to me, and to my family. It’s not going to be easy to leave it all behind, but I am excited for the future, for new adventures, and to take everything I have learned and loved in Shetland forward with me, to whatever may come next.”

Gaynor Holmes, Executive Producer for BBC Drama says: “Alison has been a pleasure to work with and has truly brought the character of Tosh to life over the years. Her warmth shines through on screen, and we will ensure Tosh is given the fitting farewell she deserves. We are enormously grateful to Alison for everything she has brought to Shetland and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer, Silverprint Pictures, provides: “It has been such a privilege to work with Alison and see her incredible performances grow and evolve over each series of Shetland. Tosh is a truly beloved character, with such huge empathy and warmth, and we will all be so sad to see her leave. Alison has been outstanding in the role and I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

Alison’s remaining storyline is a part of an exciting new six-part collection of Shetland which centres round an historic homicide which can eternally change the lives of all these related within the current day.

Shetland is cherished by thousands and thousands of followers on BBC iPlayer and BBC One and it was within the high 5 most watched BBC Drama collection of 2025. In Scotland, it remained the No.1 BBC Drama with audiences.

Paul Logue is the lead author of Shetland S11, alongside Anita Vettesse and Ross Dunsmore. The collection is produced by Angus Sharpe and directed by Ruth Carney and Jonny Blair. Executive Producers are Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Paul Logue and Denise Paul for Silverprint Pictures.

Shetland is a part of a rising listing of BBC dramas from Scotland, together with Vigil, Rebus, Sutherland, Half Man, Counsels, Grams, The Young Team, Granite Harbour and Mint.Shetland can be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

All earlier collection of Shetland (Series 1-10) can be found to stream on BBC iPlayer.

JM2

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