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Shetland concluded its seventh season with the departure of DI Jimmy Perez, a development that could have potentially spelled the end for this cherished detective drama. However, the BBC’s confidence in the series shone through as they renewed it for Shetland season 8, even in the absence of their longstanding lead who had been a part of the show for nine years.
Notably, the BBC graciously shared news of the renewal before the seventh season aired, alleviating concerns about the show’s fate following Douglas Henshall’s departure.
Now, the future of Shetland beckons intriguing questions. How will the series forge ahead without Jimmy? And, of utmost significance, who will step into Henshall’s shoes and assume the lead role?
This article is everything you are looking for if you have been looking for details on Shetland Season 8. Read on!
Shetland Season 8 Renewal Status
Following the announcement of Shetland’s renewal for its eighth season, the BBC has officially confirmed that filming for these highly anticipated episodes will commence in spring 2023. This exciting development suggests that fans can expect the show to make its return to our screens later in the year.
Shetland Season 8 Release Date
Upon the announcement of Shetland’s renewal for its Shetland season 8, the BBC provided assurance that filming for the upcoming episodes will commence during spring 2023. This promising update indicates a high likelihood of the show making its anticipated return to our screens later in the year.
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Series Name |
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Genre |
Crime/Drama/Thriller |
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Total Seasons |
7 |
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Shetland Season 8 Release Date |
2023 (Predicted) |
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Original Network |
BBC One, BBC iPlayer |
Shetland Season 8 Douglas Henshall Replacement & Overall Cast
When Jimmy’s surprise exit was first announced, Douglas Henshall shared a statement on his departure, expressing his fondness for the character and the show, and wishing everyone involved good luck with whatever comes next. Executive producer for BBC Drama, Gaynor Holmes, added that Jimmy’s presence will be greatly missed but emphasized that the show is in a strong position and they are excited about the future plans to continue captivating audiences.
In a separate interview with Radio Times, Henshall acknowledged the strange feeling of knowing that the eighth series is being filmed without him, expressing his hopes for its success while recognizing that it will be a different show without his character. The BBC has confirmed the introduction of a new lead, following the footsteps of other similar shows like The Bay, leaving fans curious about who will take on the role.
Alison O’Donnell’s character, Tosh, emerges as the most apparent candidate to fill the void left by Jimmy. Having been Jimmy’s reliable companion from the outset, she is primed to step into the spotlight and assume the mantle of leadership.
Another contender for the role is Brian Ferguson’s DI Fraser Brooks, despite his recent introduction to the Shetland series. While it may seem unconventional, from a narrative perspective, this choice holds considerable potential and could bring an intriguing dynamic to the story.
While fans are enthusiastically speculating about potential candidates like Martin Compston from Line of Duty, it’s likely just wishful thinking at this stage. However, the wait is finally over, as the official announcement reveals that Ashley Jensen, renowned for her role in Ugly Betty, has been confirmed as Jimmy’s replacement.
You will take over the leading role as the character DI Ruth Calder. Your 20 years working for the Metropolitan Police in London have come to an end. Now, you are returning to the Shetland islands. You couldn’t be more pleased to step into the role. In an official statement, you said, “It’s a real privilege to be asked to lead this show into a new chapter.”
In addition to Henshall, Mark Bonnar’s Duncan Hunter and Anneika Rose’s Maggie Kean have bid farewell to the show for good. Although the BBC has not yet confirmed the return of specific characters, several individuals seem to be strong contenders:
Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Lewis Howden as Sgt Billy McCabe, Angus Miller as Donnie, Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant, Anne Kidd as Cora McLean.
As for the future of other cast members such as Lucianne McEvoy and Erin Armstrong, their prospects remain uncertain due to their associations with Jimmy.
Shetland Season 8 Plot
Throughout its run, Shetland has dropped subtle hints about Jimmy’s eventual departure, but it wasn’t until the gripping finale of season seven that the details were revealed.
In a nutshell, Jimmy made the morally just decision to assist a man in evading extradition and a potential death sentence. However, this act of righteousness came at a cost to his own career.
Thus concludes Jimmy’s tenure as a detective, leaving us to wonder about his and Meg’s future. However, the forthcoming episodes of Shetland will kickstart a new chapter with Ashley Jensen stepping in as the fresh lead.
When it came to finding Henshall’s successor, several names were considered, and Alison O’Donnell’s Tosh emerged as a strong contender to assume Perez’s mantle. As Jimmy’s loyal companion and trusted colleague, Tosh appeared to be the natural choice. Having been there from the very beginning, the timing seemed ideal for her to step up and inherit the responsibility from her mentor. It will be fascinating to witness how the power dynamic between Tosh and Calder unfolds.
Shetland Season 8 Trailer
Production for Shetland season 8 is scheduled to begin in spring 2023, raising anticipation for the release of fresh footage in the following months, potentially during the summer or even autumn of 2023.
Stay tuned to this space for further updates and information.
Shetland Season 8 Streaming Platform
Shetland has been captivating audiences on BBC One, offering thrilling crime drama. The series has also been accessible for streaming on BBC iPlayer, providing viewers the convenience of enjoying the show anytime, anywhere. With the new season on the horizon, fans can anticipate continued availability on these platforms for their dose of Shetland’s gripping storytelling.
Comment below and tell us how excited you are to watch Shetland Season 8 !
I’m from Germany and addicted to the show…..I can hardly wait for the new series. Ashley Jensen is a surprise, I hope she will be better than in her last three Agatha Raisin series which was getting worse and worse (I know it’s the script writers and not the actors). Shetland is one of my all-time favourites.