Douglas Henshall's 'thoroughly gripping' detective drama is perfect for Shetland fans


Douglas stars opposite Kate Ashfield in ITV's 2009 crime drama, Collision, about two former flames and fellow detectives who team up to investigate a fatal car crash


Douglas Henshall in Shetland© Alamy Stock Photo
Nicky Morris
Nicky MorrisActing TV and Film Editor
2 minutes ago
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Calling all Shetland fans! If you're looking for a gripping crime drama to fill the void while you await the new season, ITVX has the perfect fix. 

Before his iconic portrayal of  DI Jimmy Perez, Douglas Henshall starred in Collision, a high-stakes, five-part thriller now available to stream on the platform. 

Douglas Henshall photocall during the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival © Getty
Douglas Henshall stars in the drama

Written by Anthony Horowitz – the mastermind behind hit mystery dramas Magpie Murders and Midsomer Murders – the 2009 series follows detective John Tolin as he investigates a catastrophic road accident that unravels into a dark web of embezzlement, cover-ups, and murder. 

Keep reading to find out more…

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What is Collision about? 

A devastating six-car pile-up on the motorway leaves a trail of fatalities and shattered lives, bringing estranged lovers and fellow detectives John Tolin and Ann Stallwood back together on the case. 

What initially appears as a routine investigation into a tragic accident soon spirals out of control as they uncover a web of dangerous secrets.

Anthony Horowitz is an English writer and screenwriter, Mantua, 8 September 2023© Leonardo Cendamo/Getty Images
Anthony Horowitz created the series

A synopsis reads: "On the face of it, a major road accident is nothing more than a moment of total chaos bringing together a group of people who have never met before but who now share a defining moment that will change all their lives.

"Beyond the crumpled cars and beleaguered emergency services are the invisible dramas and when DI John Tolin begins his investigation he finds himself drawn into many different and dangerous worlds including government cover-ups, smuggling, torn relationships and murder."

What have viewers and critics said about the show? 

The series received a warm reception from viewers upon its release, who hailed it as a "thoroughly gripping" and "fantastic story." IMDb reviewers have praised the "good writing," "intriguing multi-strand storyline" and "masterfully interwoven" plot, though others felt the drama "leaves too much unresolved." 

Douglas plays a detective investigating a crash© Jon Furniss/WireImage
Douglas plays a detective investigating a crash

Meanwhile, the series received mixed reviews. While The Guardian found the show "totally gripping," Variety noted that while the premise was "interesting," it was "ultimately not compelling enough to draw the audience into its individual stories."

Who stars in the show? 

The series boasts an impressive cast, led by Douglas Henshall (Shetland) as DI John Tolin and Kate Ashfield (Shaun of the Dead) as Inspector Ann Stallwood.

They're joined by Christopher Fulford (Whitechapel) as DCI Stephen Maitland, Jo Woodcock (Torn) as Jodie Tolin, Dean Lennox Kelly (Jamestown) as Danny Rampton, Zoe Telford (Litvinenko) as Sandra Rampton, Craig Kelly (Trick or Treat) as Jeffrey Rampton, Phil Davis (Trying) as Brian Edwards, Jan Francis (Stay Lucky) as Christine Edwards, Lucy Griffiths (True Blood) as Jane Tarrant and Paul McGann (Holby City) as Richard Reeve.

Collision is available to stream on ITVX. 

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