Shetland has been a huge hit with viewers over the years and as series 9 comes to an end Ashley Jensen has confirmed the show’s future.
The BBC detective drama, filmed on the beautiful Shetland islands, has been on our screens ever since the first ever series in 2013.
The series has even survived a change of lead, after Douglas Henshall quit the show for new roles in 2022 and actress Ashley stepped in as DI Ruth Calder.
Ahead of the latest series coming to an end, Ashley appeared on Wednesday (December 11) mornings episode of Lorraine and confirmed the series shows no signs of coming to an end any time soon.
Addressing speculation on a season 10, Lorraine wasted no time and asked: “It was online so it may or may not be true but there is going to be another series?”
Ashley confirmed: “There is, yes.” Lorraine was shocked by the news as she gasped and said: “You can never take it for granted can you.”
The actress went on to reveal: “They’ve actually commissioned two series off the back of last year straight away, which was a great confidence boost.”
Speaking about the show’s popularity, Lorraine pointed out: “Everybody watches it and it’s become this huge success.”
Ashley replied: “It has been a while since the first series built up the fan base and now it’s the same but slightly different.”
Filming for the upcoming season will take place next year on location on the Shetland Isles and in Scotland, viewers will see Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donell return as Detectives Ruth Calder and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh respectively.
BBC previously confirmed that their hit crime drama has been recommissioned for another series. They made the announcement earlier in 2024, ahead of series 9 landing on the channel.
At the time, talking about series 9 and 10 of Shetland, Ashley said: “I’m thrilled I’ll be returning to the Shetland Isles again to play the wonderfully complex DI Ruth Calder. The reaction to the last series was incredible and I’m excited at the prospect of unravelling more intrigue.”
She added: “The Shetland Isles are breathtaking – without a doubt one of the most memorable and unique filming locations I’ve been to. I’m looking forward to jumping on that wee plane again and returning soon.”
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1 at 9am