ALISON O'DONNELL TO LEAVE SHETLAND AFTER 13 YEARS

Alison O'Donnell is to depart BBC drama Shetland after 13 years with the crime series, the corporation has announced. O'Donnell played Detective Sergeant Alison McIntosh, nicknamed Tosh, since the programme's inception in 2013. Her final storyline will appear in the next six-part series, which is currently in production and scheduled to air later this year. The character will receive what producers described as a fitting farewell, with her exit centring on an historic murder investigation.

O'Donnell was among the original cast members alongside Douglas Henshall and Mark Bonar. Shetland marked the first television adaptation of crime writer Ann Cleeves' award-winning novels. Following Henshall's departure from the series, O'Donnell's character was promoted to Detective Inspector and worked alongside Ashley Jensen, who played Detective Inspector Ruth Calder. O'Donnell stated she wished to pursue other acting opportunities, describing her time on the show as formative to her career.

Gaynor Holmes, executive producer for BBC Drama, described O'Donnell as a pleasure to work with, noting her warmth translated to screen. Kate Bartlett, executive producer for production company Silverprint Pictures, characterised Tosh as a truly beloved character. O'Donnell expressed gratitude to the audience, cast and writers, saying the role had been the greatest gift an actor could hope for.