Shetland remains one of BBC One’s most popular detective dramas, with series 9 finishing in late 2024, and we can now confirm the start date of series 1o.
The show, filmed on the beautiful Shetland islands, has been on our screens ever since the first ever series in 2013. And it shows no signs of coming to an end any time soon.
BBC One’s crime drama Shetland has even survived a change of lead, after Douglas Henshall quit the show for new roles in 2022. Fans will know he played DI Jimmy Perez for seven series.
So what do we know about Shetland series 10? Read on to find out more, including plot, cast, start date, and latest news.
Will there be a series 10 of Shetland?
In December 2024, Shetland series 9 came to an end. But fans were reassured that the hit crime drama had been recommissioned for a series 10.
Talking about series 9 and 10 of Shetland, actress Ashley Jensen said: “I’m thrilled I’ll be returning to the Shetland Isles again to play the wonderfully complex DI Ruth Calder.
“The reaction to the last series was incredible and I’m excited at the prospect of unravelling more intrigue.”
She continued: “The Shetland Isles are breathtaking – without a doubt one of the most memorable and unique filming locations I’ve been to. I’m looking forward to jumping on that wee plane again and returning soon.”
In March 2025, the channel confirmed they had just started filming the next season. An Instagram post read: “Shetland series 10 starts filming next week, watch this space for new guest cast details!”
When is the Shetland series 10 start date?
Shetland series 10 will land on BBC One and iPlayer on Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at 9pm. This follows the same schedule as series 8 and 9 before it which all arrived in October/November time.
Series 1 to 9 are currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Who’s in the cast of Shetland series 10?
Ashley Jensen will be returning as prickly DI Ruth Calder in the cast of Shetland series 10. The Scottish actress replaced Douglas Henshall’s Jimmy Perez at the beginning of series 8 in 2023.
Before that, Ashley was probably best known for her collaborations with comedian Ricky Gervais. She appeared briefly in The Office, and went on to portray Maggie Jacobs in Extras, and nurse Emma in After Life.
After finding success in the UK, Ashley won the coveted role of Christina McKinney in US hit comedy Ugly Betty, opposite Barbie actress America Ferrera. She starred in the show from 2006 to 2010. Cosy drama fans will know her as the titular heroine in Agatha Raisin, a role she played from 2014 to 2022.
Fan favourite Alison O’Donnell will also be back as Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh. The character was finally promoted to Detective Inspector in Shetland series 9.
Alison O’Donnell, whose role in Shetland is her most significant to date, said: “I could not be happier that Shetland is returning and am so excited to get started. I’m really proud of the journey this show has been on and of the way it continues to evolve and grow in exciting and surprising ways.”
Other regular cast members expected to return include Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean, Angus Miller as Tosh’s partner Donnie, Steven Miller as Ruth’s brother Reverend Alan Calder, and Lewis Howden as Sergeant Billy McCabe. Conor McCarry is also expected to return as PC Alex Grant.
Who’s new in the upcoming episodes?
The Beeb recently revealed that actor Samuel Anderson, who played Fingers in the sitcom Gavin & Stacey, will join the cast as new procurator fiscal Matt Blake. He recently played Mal in Amandaland, but is probably best known for portraying Ross Kirk in Emmerdale.
Fans will know that This City is Ours actress Julie Graham previously held the role as Rhona Kelly.
Ripper Street’s Clive Russell, and Motherland’s Ellie Haddington will also be joining the cast.
Stuart Townsend – heartthrob of the 00s and Charlize Theron’s ex – joins the cast as Ed Tulloch.
Also guest starring in the cast are:
Home Fires’ Frances Grey as Gina Powell.
Line of Duty’s Niall MacGregor as Tom Jameson.
Sherlock’s Louise Brealey as Isobel Jameson.
Game of Thrones’ Gabriel Akuwudike as Chris Burnett.
Karen Pirie’s Saskia Ashdown as Hayley Burnet.
Newcomer Havana Mia Ibar Duncan as Chloe Burnett.
The A Word’s Greg McHugh as Colin Waite.
What’s the plot of Shetland season 10?
The new series sees Calder and Tosh travel to the isolated hamlet of Lunniswick to investigate the killing of an elderly woman.
The team discover that the body of the retired social worker has been out in the elements for a number of days.
As the case unfolds, Tosh and Calder excavate the victim’s life as well as the lives of those who knew her.
They soon begin to uncover “dark secrets and terrible deeds” at the heart of the close-knit community.
Executive producer for Silverprint Pictures, Kate Bartlett said: “Writer Paul Logue has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of the Shetland Isles.”
Shetland series 10 start date: ‘Plenty more in store as we head back to the Isles’
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said of the upcoming Shetland series 10: “It’s a joy to bring Shetland back, further strengthening the BBC’s commitment to this hugely successful Scottish drama that’s loved by fans across the UK and around the world.”
She added: “Ashley and Alison’s partnership has taken Shetland from strength to strength and into new exciting territory, which combined with Paul Logue’s captivating scripts will mean there’s plenty more in store as we head back to the Isles.”
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