Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Douglas Henshall reveals Shetland will face more changes after announcing shock departure

The actor has opened up about his exit

shetland bbc douglas
Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
Share this:

Douglas Henshall has revealed that there are more changes ahead for BBC's Shetland after announcing his shock departure from the show and his iconic role as DI Jimmy Perez.

MORE: Shetland star Douglas Henshall confirms show's return date

Opening up in a new interview, the Scottish actor revealed that the series could look very different from series eight onwards. 

WATCH: Shetland series seven trailer reveals Douglas Henshall's final case as Jimmy Perez

"It will be weird knowing they're shooting an eighth series and I'm not there," he told Radio Times, adding: "But I'm not sure what the show is going to be."

Douglas continued: "I hope it works out and I wish them every success, but it isn't going to be the show I was in. They will have to make a whole other show." The details behind the direction in which the series will go are not yet known.

MORE: Douglas Henshall's next role after Shetland revealed

MORE: Douglas Henshall breaks silence after shock exit from Shetland

shetland douglas 2© Photo: Rex

Douglas announced he was stepping down as DI Jimmy Perez last month

The star, who has been a beloved figure in the drama since it began in 2013, will appear in the upcoming seventh series but will not return to the show for series eight, which has been confirmed for 2023.

Douglas previously opened up about leaving the show, writing: "It's been one of the privileges of my career to play Jimmy Perez for almost ten years and to work with so many wonderful people both in front of and behind the camera, and also to spend so much time in Shetland.

"The Isles were so much a part of our show and of Perez himself. I'll miss him and the place. I wish everyone involved much luck with whatever happens next."

MORE: Shetland creator shares reaction to Douglas Henshall’s exit: 'He was perfect'

douglas shetland© Photo: Rex

Series seven will be his final season on the show

Meanwhile, Douglas is already concentrating on his next venture. According to the 56-year-old's IMDb page, he is currently filming for a new female-led thriller titled Palomino.

The eight-part series centres around a British teacher in Spain called Erin Collantes, who finds herself caught up in a supermarket robbery. After one of the robbers claims to recognise her, her life threatens to unravel.

The logline teases: "In Palomino, a town of secrets, Erin Collantes fights to clear her name and protect her family… But is she really who she claims to be?" Douglas is listed as playing Daniel Long. 

Like this story? Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.