Shetland star Alison O'Donnell has confirmed that she is leaving the BBC crime drama after 13 years.
The Scottish actress, who has played the role of Det Sgt Alison McIntosh since the show's inception, is departing the series to explore other acting opportunities.
© ITV Studios / Jamie Simpson / BBCBased on the award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the hit mystery series follows DI Calder and DI McIntosh as they investigate grizzly crimes on the titular Scottish archipelago.
Shetland has become a staple in the BBC's drama line-up since it first aired in 2013. Alison first starred alongside Douglas Henshall, who led the cast as DI Jimmy Perez until the end of season seven. Since then, Ashley Jensen has starred in the series as Ruth Calder.
Why is Alison O'Donnell leaving Shetland?
In a statement, Alison said she is looking forward to "new adventures".
"I grew up in this job," she said.
"It has shaped me as an actor, and as a collaborator. It's in my bones and in my heart. As are the isles themselves, which have become like a second home to me, and to my family.
© BBC/Silverprint Films/Jamie Simpson"It's not going to be easy to leave it all behind, but I am excited for the future, for new adventures, and to take everything I have learned and loved in Shetland forward with me, to whatever may come next."
Alison said that the role "has been the greatest gift an actor could hope for."
Paying tribute to Alison, Gaynor Holmes, executive producer for BBC Drama, said: "Alison has been a pleasure to work with and has truly brought the character of Tosh to life over the years.
© ITV Studios/Robert Pereira Hind/BBC"Her warmth shines through on screen, and we will ensure Tosh is given the fitting farewell she deserves.
"We are enormously grateful to Alison for everything she has brought to Shetland and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her."
What to expect from Shetland season 11
Alison's departure comes ahead of the 11th season, which is currently being filmed and will air later this year.
The new season centres around an historic murder which will "forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day," according to the synopsis.
© BBC/Silverprint Films/Jamie SimpsonIt continues: "When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made - crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. The team's search to uncover the victim’s identity, begins with a hunt for the vehicle's owner– a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago.
"As Calder and Tosh dig deeper into the enigmatic GP's state-of-mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind, the investigation takes them to dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth."
All previous series of Shetland are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
