Shetland confirms major update ahead of beloved character's exit in season 11

Calling all Shetland fans! The BBC has finally unveiled the release date for season 11 – and we don't have long to wait!

The upcoming season, which marks Alison O'Donnell's final turn as DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh, will arrive on BBC One on Thursday 12 November at 9pm.

Based 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. 

© BBC/Silverprint Films

The popular crime show has become a cornerstone of the BBC's drama line-up since it first premiered back in 2013. Alison first starred alongside Douglas Henshall, who played DI Jimmy Perez until the end of season seven. Since then, Ashley Jensen has led the cast as Ruth Calder.

Keep reading to find out what we can expect from season 11

What to expect from Shetland season 11

The new season kicks off when a historic murder "forever changes the lives of all those connected in the present day".

The synopsis reads: "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.

© BBC/Silverprint Films/Jamie Simpson

"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."

Who stars in Shetland season 11?

Alongside Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell, season 11 will also see the return of Steven Robertson (DC Sandy Wilson), Lewis Howden (Sergeant Billy McCabe), Samuel Anderson (Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake), Steven Miller (Rev Alan Calder), Anne Kidd (pathologist Cora McLean), Angus Miller (Tosh’s partner Donnie), Conor McCarry (PC Alex Grant) and Eubha Akilade (PC Lorna Burns).

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Silverprint Films/Jamie Simpson

Fans can expect to see some new faces in the cast, including Christine Bottomley (Sherwood), Kevin Harvey (This City Is Ours), Stella Gonet (The Crown), Gregor Fisher (Only Child), and Gavin Mitchell (Crime), John Wark (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth), Jude Bain (Let It Come Down) and Robin Weaver (Rivals).

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Silverprint Films/Robert Periera Hind

Other guest cast include John McLarnon (I Swear), Beth Marshall (The Bombing of Pan Am 103), Daniel Boyd (House of the Dragon), Charlene Boyd (Department Q) and Helen Mackay (Shetland).

Why is Alison O'Donnell leaving Shetland? 

Alison announced her departure back in June, explaining that she is looking forward to pursuing other opportunities. 

"I grew up in this job," she said in a statement. 

"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.

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Silverprint Films/Robert Periera Hind

"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."