Beloved Shetland Detective Tosh Bids Farewell After 13 Thrilling Years

Alison O'Donnell, the actress who has played Tosh in the BBC crime drama Shetland for 13 years, is leaving the show. Shetland first aired in 2013 and is based on the award-winning novels by Ann Cleeves. Alison was part of the original cast, working alongside Douglas Henshall and Mark Bonar. Her character, Detective Sergeant Alison McIntosh, known as Tosh, became a fan favorite as she helped solve crimes on the beautiful but mysterious Shetland Islands. Over the years, Tosh worked closely with Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez, played by Douglas Henshall, and later was promoted to Detective Inspector herself.

Alison O'Donnell said that being on Shetland has been a huge part of her life and career. She explained, 'I grew up in this job. 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. ' Even though she is sad to leave, Alison is looking forward to new adventures and acting opportunities. She thanked the audience, her fellow cast members, and the writers for making her time on the show so meaningful. She said, 'Playing Tosh has been the greatest gift an actor could hope for. '

The producers of Shetland have also spoken about Alison's departure. Gaynor Holmes, executive producer for BBC Drama, said that Alison has been a pleasure to work with and that her warmth shines through on screen. She promised that Tosh will get a proper farewell in the next series, which is currently being filmed and will air later this year. Kate Bartlett, executive producer at Silverprint Pictures, said that Tosh is a truly beloved character. In the upcoming series, Tosh's final storyline will focus on an old murder that will have a big impact on everyone involved. Fans of Shetland will be eager to see how Tosh's story ends and what the future holds for the show.