Entertainment / Shetland’s ‘recipe for success’ to continue in series ten, cast says
AS SERIES ten fast approaches, the cast of Shetland have reflected on what is behind its success – while offering an insight in what is in store over the coming six episodes.
The first episode of series ten will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Wednesday 5 November.
It will focus on the isolated hamlet of Lunniswick – filmed in Levenwick – where the body of the retired social worker Eadie Tulloch is found.
It sparks the usual investigation, led by police crew including DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) and DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (Alison O’Donnell).
But one regular character within the police team who is getting a more prominent role this time around is Sgt Billy McCabe (played by Lewis Howden), given that he has a connection to Eadie Tulloch.
Jensen said she feels series ten is the “best storyline out of the three I’ve been involved in”.
“I love the detail of this one and the fact that all the locals are suspects in the murder case,” she said.
For Howden, it was a rare trip to Shetland given that he usually has filmed scenes on the mainland in a studio replicating a police station.
He said he has filmed just once in Shetland, in series four – so it was “wonderful” to head north to be part of location filming.
Meanwhile O’Donnell said this year’s guest cast – which features names like Clive Russell, Ellie Haddington, Greg McHugh and Louise Brealey – is “outstanding”.
“It was especially nice this year that most of the cast are playing neighbours from the village and so they very quickly became a big gang and forged friendships among themselves which is always so lovely to see,” she said.
When asked what is behind the enduring success of Shetland, O’Donnell – who has been in the show since day one – said the “landscape of the isles is pretty much purpose built for drama and the breathtaking magic and beauty of the Isles is our USP [unique selling point], no doubt about it”.
Another returning actor is local man Steven Robertson, who plays police officer Sandy.
He said Levenwick was a “perfect location” to have in the centre of the storyline.
“Whenever I drive past Levenwick on my way back from Sumburgh I always glance down at it because it is a sort of magical, little jewel of a village,” Robertson said.
“It’s got a very different feel to it from much of the rest of the Shetland Isles. It feels like you’re really far away, even from the rest of the mainland of Shetland. That sort of mystery and history, absolutely comes across on screen.”
The actor also said “Shetland wouldn’t be Shetland without the location”.
“For many, it’s a long way away but you can also come to it. It’s part of Britain but it has its own unique identity. And, the material is so important,” Robertson added.
“Our writers always give the stories a great depth and there is never a wasted line of dialogue which doesn’t have history or mystery – they write like a Swiss watch with a soul.”
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