New lead announced to replace DI Jimmy Perez in Shetland series eight
Andrew Hirst
It has been the burning question for all Shetland fans ever since Douglas Henshall announced he was standing down as DI Jimmy Perez.
Who will takeover as the new lead for series eight of the much-loved crime drama?
Now, after months of speculation, the wait is over.
Scottish actor Ashley Jensen is to lead the cast as DI Ruth Calder when the show returns next year.
Jensen, who is well known from her roles in hit shows including After Life, Ugly Betty and Extras, said she was “absolutely thrilled” to be joining the BBC murder mystery.
“It’s such a hugely successful show and I am aware I have very big boots to fill since the departure of DI Perez, who was very much loved by fans of the show,” she said.
“There will be a different dynamic with Ruth among the regular characters and a few more new interesting characters to enjoy.
“However the integrity of the show and the world that has been created will remain very much in the same tone as the last seven seasons.
“It’s a real privilege to be asked to lead this show into a new chapter. I can’t wait to be working in Scotland again. I have missed it.”
The new series will film in locations in Shetland and across Scotland from the spring.
As DI Calder, Jensen will be playing a native Shetlander returning to the isles after 20 years working for the Met in London.
She will be joining regulars Alison O’Donnell, who plays Tosh, Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora). Further casting will be announced in the coming months.
BBC commissioning editor Gaynor Holmes said: “Ashley is an immensely accomplished and well-loved actress who is known internationally and we can’t wait to welcome her into the Shetland family when filming begins in the spring.”
Series seven of the show, which is based on the characters created by author Ann Cleeves, was watched by an average 7.2 million viewers.
The new series will be written by Paul Logue and produced by Louise V Say.
Executive producer for Silverprint Pictures Kate Bartlett added: “We’re so thrilled that Ashley is going to be leading this new series of Shetland, alongside Alison O’Donnell as Tosh.
“They will be an exciting duo in Paul Logue’s compelling new version. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to make another series with such incredible Scottish talent.”
Announcing his departure from the show in July, Henshall said he wanted to “go out on a high”.
“I hope people have enjoyed watching Perez over the years as much as I’ve enjoyed playing him,” he said.
“I’m going to miss Jimmy Perez.”
Jim Brown
Bad decision. Should have promoted O’Donnell’s and Robertson’s characters, and brought in a new junior plod.
Anne Gair
We will miss Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Perez in “Shetland” he played the role well and I’m sorry to see him go! Big shoes to fill right enough, but actress Ashley Jenson, I’m sure, will make her mark in the show too! Good to go with a woman detective because if it had been a man I think folk would be comparing him to DI Perez. Looking forward to the new series!
Don Phee
They should have just stopped the whole thing. The last two series were bad enough. This will only be worse.
Jim Brown
Good point- I only really enjoyed the first few, the ones which were only 2 episodes each if I recall. The long ones after that (5-6 episodes?) were nowhere near as good- tedious. Am I right in thinking that it was from then that the series wasn’t based on the books?
Charley Pavlosky
As a viewer here here in the states, I discovered Shetland some years back and have looked forward to every season since. First and foremost I love the writing, as well as the complexity of the characters and the seamless execution of the production. Overall the look, tone and feel of the show has been nothing short of outstanding. I look forward to coming seasons with the new cast members and wish the production team continued success.
Holly Brown
The choice of this actress is one of those moments when you realize you are no longer a viable target audience. The trope of a lonely widower facing the world alone always works, and with the right actor, in this case, Douglas Henshall is brilliant and entertaining. Huddled up in the peacoat, he wears like armor plating, with hands clenched into fists hidden in pockets and the cares of the world etched into his face we root for him, we care about him, and we want him to be happy (and for many of us we are happily ready to step into that role). Enter Ashley Jenson. Absolute best wishes for your success Ms. Jensen, but I can already see Sandy and Tosh rolling their eyes at your inconvenient ex-husband and unruly kids, and even a quirky mom. That worn-out trope belongs in the trash (although, here in the US, it still sells). Producers, writers, and staff, I dare you to do better than the “perky blond” portrayed in this publicity image of Ms. Jensen. Please?
Richard Bradley
Oh dear!
How is Tosh not being promoted, she has the presence, plenty of history, new partner and baby, her storyline could have been extended and she would have fitted right in.
How are we to believe that Ashley Jensen is someone who lived on Shetland and has returned?
Worst choice, I for one will not be watching.
It would have been better as people say if the series had been pulled at the end of the last series.
Buck Batson
I also was hoping for a Tosh promotion. She should become an inspector and now she’d have to leave the island.
Bob Beehler
I agree. In the last episode of 7 Perez told Tosh she was ready for DCI. What happened? Why was she not chosen as replacement? You need to explain that to the audience. After hearing what Perez said to her why is she going to want to stay being just passed over ?
When inspector Morse died his sergeant Lewis fit right in. You people are not paying attention.
Bob Beehler