Shetland Beloved Star Bids Farewell After 13 Years with Heartfelt Message

A SHETLAND fan-favourite star has confirmed that she’s leaving the BBC show after 13 years.

Actress Alison O’Donnell, 43, recently shared an emotional statement about her 13 years on the Scottish drama as Tosh – and confessed that she feels “so incredibly lucky” to have been part of it.

Alison O’Donnell has confirmed that she is leaving BBC One show Shetland Credit: Getty The programme follows DI Calder (left) and DI McIntosh investigating crimes across the Shetland Islands Credit: BBC

Shetland – which was originally based on Ann Cleeves’ novel series of the same name – follows DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) and partner DI Alison McIntosh investigate crime across the Shetland Islands.

The show has had 10 successful series and plans to return for another in November this year.

But one person will be missing from our screens after that.

Alison, who is the longest-serving cast member of the programme, said: “Playing Tosh has been the greatest gift an actor could hope for.

Alison has played Tosh on the BBC drama from the past 13 years Credit: BBC Actress Ashley Jenson (left) took on the role of DI Calder from series eight Credit: BBC

“To be able to stay with the character, to allow her to grow in depth and maturity, and to be consistently rewarded and challenged by the writing and stories, has been such a rich and special experience.

“And to have had the support and loyalty of our wonderful audience has meant so much.

“I feel so incredibly lucky to have worked with so many hugely talented people both on and off screen.”

She added: “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.”

Details about the star’s exit are yet to be shared.

Before joining the cast of Shetland, Alison has landed roles in Feel the Force and .

While starring in Shetland, she appeared in Moomins on the Riviera, Pet Sematary and Do No Harm.

Back in December it was confirmed that Shetland would return for an 11th series.

The surprise announcement came at the end of the episode as the credits rolled with the announcer revealing the show “will return next year”.

Actress Ashley Jenson took on the role of DI Calder from series eight, after Douglas Henshall AKA DI Jimmy Perez left the show in 2022.