Arts / Jensen ‘thrilled’ to take on lead role in Shetland series
The actress – who has appeared in shows like Extras, After Life and Ugly Betty – will play DI Ruth Calder in the crime drama
THE SHETLAND crime drama has a new lead character in place after Douglas Henshall’s departure.
Ashley Jensen, who has appeared in shows like Mayflies, After Life, Ugly Betty and Extras, will lead the cast when the programme returns for its next series in 2023.
The new series will film in locations in Shetland and across Scotland from the spring.
Emmy-nominated Jensen will star as DI Ruth Calder, a native Shetlander who returns to the isles after 20 years working for the Met in London.
Ruth takes on the lead detective role left vacant by DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) working closely with DS Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (Alison O’Donnell).
The series is due to air on BBC One in 2023.
Jensen will join series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora). Further casting will be announced in due course.
The actress said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Shetland as DI Ruth Calder.
“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.
“There will be a different dynamic with Ruth amongst the regular characters and a few more new and 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.”
Gaynor Holmes, commissioning editor for the BBC, 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.”
Kate Bartlett, executive producer for Silverprint Pictures, added that Jensen and O’Donnell will make an “exciting duo”.
The new series of Shetland, its eighth, will be written by Paul Logue and produced by Louise V Say.
Executive producers are Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, and Kate Bartlett and Denise Paul for Silverprint Pictures.
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