Shetland season 8: Release date, trailer, cast, plot and latest news
The BBC crime drama ushers in a new era.
You might have expected the team behind Shetland to shut up shop following Douglas Henshall's exit.
Shetland without Jimmy Perez?! You're having a laugh – but the crime drama is powering on without him, with the latest season of the BBC series almost upon us.
We also have our first look at Ashley Jensen's new lead detective DI Ruth Calder in action.
Here's everything you need to know about Shetland season 8.
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Shetland season 8 release date: When will it air?
Shetland season 8 arrives on Wednesday 1st November at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Shetland season 8 trailer: When can I watch it?
Right now!
Enjoy the brand new trailer below:
Shetland season 8 cast: Who has replaced Douglas Henshall?
Ashley Jensen, who you might recognise from Extras, Ugly Betty, Catastrophe and After Life, has taken over from Douglas Henshall. She's playing DI Ruth Calder, a native Shetlander who returns to the isles after a 20-year stint in London.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Shetland," Jensen said ahead of her debut, adding: "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 amongst 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!"
She'll be joined by the following regulars:
- Alison O'Donnell as DS Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh
- Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson
- Lewis Howden as Sgt Billy McCabe
- Anne Kidd as Cora Mclean
- Angus Miller as Donnie
- Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant
- Eubha Akilade as PC Lorna Burns
And, as ever, there are also plenty of new guest stars joining:
- Phyllis Logan (Guilt, Downton Abbey)
- Jamie Sives (Guilt, Annika)
- Dawn Steele (Holby City, Granite Harbour)
- Don Gilet (EastEnders, Sherwood)
- Ann Louise Ross (River City, Katie Morag)
- Lorraine McIntosh (Outlander, My Name is Joe)
Shetland season 8 plot: What will happen?
Jimmy Perez has now officially departed, with Met Police Detective Inspector Ruth Calder, a native Shetlander, stepping into his shoes.
She returns to retrieve a witness to a gangland murder, forcing Tosh to hit pause on an investigation into a string of mysterious animal deaths.
"Calder’s hostility to Shetland will challenge Tosh's view of her adopted home," reads the official synopsis. "And their journey into the darker recesses of Shetland's past and present will test this fragile, new partnership."
Shetland season 8 airs on Wednesday 1st November at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Ann Cleeves's Shetland novels are available to buy now.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.
