The release date of the anticipated new series of Shetland has been revealed.
The BBC drama, with After Life and Extras star Ashley Jensen in the lead role, will return for its eighth series on Wednesday, November 1.
Jensen stars as Detective Ruth Calder, who returns to the Shetland Isles after 30 years working with the London Met.
She'll team up with Tosh on a case that will test their new partnership, trailing a vulnerable witness who has seen a London gangland murder.
Hot on their tails are armed London gangsters, who make their way to Shetland on a mission to silence the witness.
While tackling the complex investigation, Calder is also confronted by figures from her past including an ex-boyfriend and her estranged younger brother.
As the case gathers momentum, Calder and Tosh are stunned by news of a brutal murder which has all the hallmarks of organised crime - but there is another shock in store for the team.
We previously reported that the new series of Shetland was being filmed in Glasgow, with production crews taking over a corner shop in Trongate.
The cast will be joined by familiar faces such as Phyllis Logan from Guilt and Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones and Guilt star Jamie Sives, and Don Gilet from EastEnders.
Jensen was announced as the replacement for the series' previous lead, Douglas Henshall, in November 2022.
Jensen said she was “absolutely thrilled” to be joining the new series, written by Paul Logue.
She said: “It’s such a hugely successful show and I am aware I have very big boots to fill since the departure of DI Perez, who was very much loved by fans of the show.
“There will be a different dynamic with Ruth among the regular characters and a few more new interesting characters to enjoy.
“However, the integrity of the show and the world that has been created will remain very much in the same tone as the last seven seasons.
“It’s a real privilege to be asked to lead this show into a new chapter. I can’t wait to be working in Scotland again. I have missed it.”
Shetland returns to BBC One on November 1 at 9pm.
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