L-R: Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell. Photo: BBC / Silverprint Films

Filming Underway for New Series of BBC Hit Drama ‘Shetland’ as Guest Cast Revealed

Shetland continues to be a major success for the BBC, ranking as the No.1 BBC Drama in Scotland and one of the top five most-watched BBC drama series of 2025.

RMN Stars TV Desk
New Delhi | April 10, 2026

Filming has officially begun on the latest series of the acclaimed murder mystery drama Shetland, with lead actors Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell reprising their roles as DI Ruth Calder and DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh. The new six-part series, produced by Silverprint Pictures, is currently being filmed at various locations throughout Scotland and the Shetland Isles.

The upcoming season centers on a grim discovery made when a car is pulled from the water, revealing the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. This historic murder investigation forces the team to hunt for the vehicle’s owner—a respected local GP who left the Isles nine years prior amidst “troubled rumours”. As Calder and Tosh delve into the GP’s past and the lives of those he left behind, the search for truth leads them into dark and dangerous territory.

The production has announced a stellar lineup of guest stars joining the cast, including Christine Bottomley (Sherwood), Kevin Harvey (This City Is Ours), Stella Gonet (The Crown), Gregor Fisher (Only Child), and Gavin Mitchell (Crime). Several series regulars are also confirmed to return, including Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Lewis Howden as Billy McCabe, and Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean.

Lead writer Paul Logue has returned to pen the new series alongside Anita Vettesse and Ross Dunsmore. Logue’s story is described by BBC Commissioning Editor Gaynor Holmes as “brimming with twists, turns, and the kind of emotional punch that keeps viewers hooked”.

Shetland continues to be a major success for the BBC, ranking as the No.1 BBC Drama in Scotland and one of the top five most-watched BBC drama series of 2025. While a specific release date has not been set, the new series is scheduled to arrive on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year. For those looking to catch up, all previous ten series are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.