L-R: DI ‘Tosh’ Mcintosh (Alison O’Donnell), Euan Rossi (Ian Hart), DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) (Image: ©ITV Studios)

Acclaimed actors Ian Hart (Mr Bates VS The Post Office, Harry Potter, The Responder) and Vincent Regan (Traces, Luther: The Fallen Sun, Aquaman) lead the guest cast of BBC drama Shetland starring alongside series favourites Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, as filming begins on the new series. A Silverprint Pictures production (part of ITV Studios) Shetland will film in locations around Scotland and on the Shetland Isles over the coming months, with the series debuting on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

Other guest cast starring in the forthcoming series include Stuart Campbell (SAS Rogue Heroes, Baptiste), Robert Jack (Annika, Damaged), Nalini Chetty (Crime, Karen Pirie), Jimmy Yuill (Guilt, The Kindred), Lesley Hart (Granite Harbour, River City), alongside series regulars including Steven Robertson (playing DC Sandy Wilson), Lewis Howden (Sgt Billy McCabe), Anne Kidd (Cora McLean), Angus Miller (Donnie), Steven Miller (Rev Alan Calder), Tibu Fortes (PF Harry Lamont), Conor McCarry (PC Alex Grant) and Eubha Akilade (PC Lorna Burns).

Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the new six-part series sees DI Calder (Jensen) – now a resident of the Isles – thrown in at the deep end after a friend of Tosh’s (O’Donnell) goes missing. The chilling tale of disappearances and death sparks a labyrinthine investigation for Tosh and Calder that challenges the line between the personal and professional.

Ian Hart says: I’m looking forward to embarking on a Shetland adventure – it’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit and to do so with this incredible drama is wonderful.”

Vincent Regan says: “I’m thrilled be joining the cast of Shetland which is such a beloved BBC drama. My character and his family are at the heart of this dark and twisting storyline and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. The opportunity to visit the Shetland Isles was also a real pull to the part as well as working with the likes of Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell.”

Shetland is loved by millions of fans on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the last series (2023) averaging 7.0 million viewers across its run, in line with the previous run. In Scotland, Shetland was the second biggest drama of the year across all channels and streamers, behind Happy Valley. The ninth series was part of a double commission recently announced by the BBC. Series 10 of Shetland will film in 2025.

The new series of Shetland, will be written by lead writer Paul Logue and Denise Paul. Series 9 will be produced by Louise V Say (Dracula, Les Miserables) and directed by Andrew Cumming (Out of Darkness)and Ruth Paxton (A Banquet). Executive producers are Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Denise Paul and Paul Logue for Silverprint Pictures.

Shetland is part of a growing list of BBC dramas filmed in Scotland which will air this year, including Nightsleeper, Granite Harbour and Lockerbie. Shetland will be internationally distributed by ITV Studios.

Following the success of its 2023 series, the critically-acclaimed hit drama Shetland has been recommissioned by the BBC for two new series. A Silverprint Pictures production (part of ITV Studios) for the BBC, the double series commission - Shetland’s ninth and tenth - will film in locations on the Shetland Isles and across Scotland in 2024 and 2025.

Filming on Series 9 begins this month with Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell reprising their roles as Detectives Ruth Calder and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.

Shetland is loved by millions of fans on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with this year’s series averaging 7.0 million viewers across its run, in line with the previous run. In Scotland, Shetland was the second biggest drama of the year across all channels and streamers, behind Happy Valley.

Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the new series of Shetland will also see the return of series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora). Further casting will be announced in due course.

Ashley Jensen says: “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. The Shetland Isles are breath-taking – 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.”

Alison O’Donnell adds: "I could not be happier that Shetland is returning for two more series 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. That we have managed to grow such a loyal and supportive viewership is a dream come true. Ashley and I just scratched the surface of our dynamic in Series 8 and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on that. I can't wait to see what Paul and the team have in store for us next."

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “It’s a joy to bring Shetland back for not one, but two new series, further strengthening the BBC’s commitment to this hugely successful Scottish drama that’s loved by fans across the UK and around the world. 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.”

Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures says: “We're thrilled that the BBC has commissioned two more series of Shetland. Paul Logue creates distinctive and emotionally complex stories, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of Shetland. It's wonderful to be making these series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of our production.”

The new series of Shetland, will be written by lead writer Paul Logue and Denise Paul. Series 9 will be produced by Louise V Say (Dracula, Les Miserables) and directed by Andrew Cumming (Out of Darkness)and Ruth Paxton (A Banquet). Executive producers are Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Denise Paul and Paul Logue for Silverprint Pictures.

Shetland is part of a growing list of BBC dramas from Scotland, including Nightsleeper, Granite Harbour and Lockerbie. Shetland will be internationally distributed by ITV Studios.

TV and Silverprint Pictures release first look image of Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis in intoxicating drama,  A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story

• Toby Jones, Laurie Davidson and Mark Stanley join Lucy Boynton in Silverprint Pictures’ four-part drama for ITV and ITVX

• Joe Armstrong, Arthur Darvill, Nigel Havers, Toby Stephens and Juliet Stevenson also star.

[Pictured: Lucy Boynton as Ruth Ellis in A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story] [Copyright ITV/Please credit photographer Des Willie]

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story tells the hidden story of Ruth Ellis and exposes the timeless British obsessions of class, sex and death.

Set in 1955 in the glamorous and intoxicating world of London club-land, Ruth found huge acclaim, aged 28, as the capital's youngest club manager.

But her success soon unravelled as she became entwined in an abusive relationship with racing driver David Blakely. On trial for his murder, Ruth was condemned to hang by a system which judged her for far more than her crime.

Commented Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures, Kate Bartlett:

"Lucy Boynton is absolutely mesmerising as Ruth Ellis, pictured here, at the height of her success as London's youngest club manager.  Aged 28, her ascendancy was brought to a sharp halt when she became enmeshed in an intoxicating love triangle which brought death and tragedy."

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, is based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story, and has been adapted by Kelly Jones (The Long Call, Des, Baptiste) and produced by critically acclaimed producers, Silverprint Pictures, whose portfolio includes Shetland, Vera and Flesh and Blood.

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story was commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill and Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair Jones.

Silverprint’s Creative Director, Kate Bartlett (Shetland, Vera, Flesh and Blood, The Long Call) executive produces the series alongside Antonia Gordon, Development Director for Silverprint Pictures and writer Kelly Jones.

Kelly Jones has written all four scripts and Angie Daniell (World On Fire, Vigil, The Long Call) produces the series.  Lee Haven Jones (Passenger, Feast, The Long Call) directs all four episodes.

Silverprint Pictures is part of ITV Studios. ITV Studios is handling international distribution.

THE GUARDIAN: ★★★★

Douglas Henshall has departed, but Ashley Jensen’s arrival proves the hit crime drama doesn’t need a leading man – especially when paired with the brilliant Alison O’Donnell.

The well-worn story of criminal investigations stirring up long-buried pain, mainly for the investigators, always receives an unusually thoughtful treatment in Shetland – and it seems it will power a finely constructed dynamic between the new crime-solving duo, Tosh and Ruth. 

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TELEGRAPH: ★★★★

Fans of the BBC One crime drama need not have feared after Douglas Henshall's departure: the scenery and characters are as absorbing as ever.

Without all the old relationships to fall back on, this eighth series needs to rely more than most on its location and its plot. The former is a given, and you’ll once more be looking up holiday rentals in Shetland. The latter, in the hands of writer Paul Logue, is confidently done.

No messing about here, no flashbacks or mysteries, just confident and efficient storytelling.

Shetland continues to stand apart from run-of-the-mill detective dramas. 

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RADIO TIMES: ★★★★

Right from the off, this reset series felt thrillingly different.

This fresh dynamic fizzed, recalling classic female duos like Cagney & Lacey or Scott & Bailey.

On this evidence, the distinctive drama is in safe hands.

Ashley Jensen's casting is a wee stroke of genius which might just give Shetland a whole new lease of life.

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INDEPENDENT: ★★★★

So what a relief that Shetland has successfully managed that tricky switch of lead detectives previously seen in other long-running crime dramas... In fact, it feels altogether refreshed, and so far, one of the more enjoyable series yet.

This is contemporary Scotland with a strong Scandi-noir vibe underlined by the spectacular, treeless vistas.

The gripping story of Britain’s last woman to hang, Ruth Ellis, has been commissioned by ITV as a four-part drama, Ruth, starring Lucy Boynton in the title role, written by Kelly Jones and produced by Silverprint Pictures (part of ITV Studios).

Set in 1955, Ruth has been commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill and Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair Jones. Huw will be responsible for overseeing production of the series on behalf of ITV. Ruth will premiere on ITV1 and the series will be available for streaming on ITVX.

Told over two parallel timelines, Ruth reveals secret truths about the case which have remained hidden for decades, poses tantalising questions about what really happened in the months before Ruth killed her lover David Blakely, and sheds light on the life of one of Britain’s most infamous murderesses.

The drama depicts Ruth’s entry into a dizzying upper class London world that promises so much, but ultimately delivers treachery. We follow her glamorous lifestyle as a young nightclub manageress, her abusive relationship with the man she later gunned down in cold blood, her arrest, trial and the subsequent legal fight to reprieve her before she was hanged by infamous hangman, Albert Pierrepoint, in Holloway Prison, aged just 28.

Commented Lucy Boynton:

“Ruth Ellis’ story is a fascinating one. Both she and this complex case have always evoked a strong reaction, and with Kelly’s insightful scripts I’m looking forward to bringing a new perspective to both familiar audiences as well as those who are unaware of her mark on British history.”

Lucy has most recently appeared in ITV’s three-part adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? adapted and directed by Hugh Laurie. Her credits also include Bohemian Rhapsody, The Ipcress File and newly released biographical film, Chevalier.

A compelling legal and emotional rollercoaster which explores Ruth’s arrest and trial and the subsequent race against the clock to reprieve her. Ruth, is based on Carol Ann Lee’s acclaimed biography A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story, and has been adapted by Kelly Jones (The Long Call, Des, Baptiste) and will be produced by critically acclaimed producers, Silverprint Pictures, whose portfolio includes Shetland, Vera and Flesh and Blood.

Silverprint’s Creative Director, Kate Bartlett (Shetland, Vera, Flesh and Blood, The Long Call) will executive produce the series alongside Antonia Gordon, Development Director for Silverprint Pictures.

Kelly Jones will write all four scripts and Angie Daniell (Vigil, The Long Call, Alex Rider) will produce the series. Lee Haven Jones (Passenger, Feast, The Long Call) will direct all four episodes.

Commented Huw Kennair Jones:

“There is so much more to the Ruth Ellis story than we think we know. Kelly’s scripts brilliantly explore not only how the emotional and physical abuse she suffered drove her to commit a terrible crime but also the desperate last-minute attempt to save her as she and her supporters battled an unforgiving Establishment. We’re thrilled to be working with Lucy Boynton and Silverprint Pictures to bring this compelling story to the ITV and ITVX audience.” 

The powerful mystery of what compelled Ruth Ellis to take the life of the man she was in a passionate but toxic and volatile relationship with will reveal that there was more to this crime of passion than Ruth was prepared to say. Her silence, and resistance to speak of what happened between her and dashing racing driver, Blakely, is far more complex than she admitted.

Ruth’s solicitor, the low-status but intelligent and sensitive John Bickford, starts to realise some of what she has suffered and believes they must make a case for provocation. With stakes that could not be higher, literally life or death, Bickford begins his own investigation and uncovers details that could have saved her life had those facts been aired in court.

Commented Kate Bartlett:

“We are delighted that Lucy Boynton will be playing Ruth and know that she will bring all the subtlety, nuance and brilliance of Kelly’s beautiful scripts to life. Ruth Ellis’s story is such an intoxicating, fascinating and resonant one and it has been wonderful having Carol Ann Lee’s definitive book about Ruth to work with. We can’t wait to bring it to screen.”

With an eclectic and diverse development slate, Silverprint Pictures are committed to working with new and established voices to produce vibrant, distinctive and emotional stories for UK and international audiences across the world.

Ruth is produced in association with ITV Studios, which will handle global distribution.

Silverprint Pictures and ITV today announce further key casting for the forthcoming drama, Ruth, depicting the untold story of Ruth Ellis, the nightclub manageress and convicted murderer, who was the last woman to hang in the UK.

Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Empire of Light) will play Ruth Ellis's solicitor, John Bickford, who gradually realises the extent of Ruth's abuse at the hands of David Blakely – and who takes on the fight to make the case for provocation.

Laurie Davidson (Mary and George, Guilty Party) takes on the role of Ruth's abusive lover and victim, David Blakely.

Mark Stanley (Happy Valley, Dark River) plays Desmond Cussen, Ruth's devoted admirer and sometime lover, a regular at the Little Club who becomes caught up in Ruth's toxic love triangle alongside Blakely.

Other key roles include:

Joe Armstrong (Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack) as the detective in charge of Ruth's case, DCI Davies.

Arthur Darvill (Broadchurch, Sandman) as Victor Mishcon, Ruth's charismatic divorce lawyer who took up the fight for her reprieve.

Juliet Stevenson (Truly, Madly, Deeply, Wolf) will play Dr Charity Taylor, Governess of Holloway Prison.

Toby Stephens (Die Another Day, Black Sails) plays Ruth's defence barrister, Melford Stevenson QC.

Set in 1955, Ruth is based on Carol Ann Lee's acclaimed biography, A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story, and has been adapted by Kelly Jones (The Long Call, Des, Baptiste) and will be produced by critically acclaimed producers, Silverprint Pictures, part of ITV Studios, whose portfolio includes Shetland, Vera, and Flesh and Blood.

Ruth was commissioned by ITV's Head of Drama, Polly Hill, and Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair Jones.

Kelly Jones has written all four scripts, and Angie Daniell (World on Fire, Vigil, The Long Call) is producing the series. Lee Haven Jones (Passenger, Feast, The Long Call) directs all four episodes.

Silverprint's Creative Director, Kate Bartlett (Shetland, Vera, Flesh and Blood, The Long Call), is the executive producer alongside Antonia Gordon, Development Director for Silverprint Pictures. 

Commented Kate Bartlett and Antonia Gordon:

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome such a stellar cast to join the amazing Lucy Boynton and bring to the screen our wonderful scripts by Kelly Jones. We could not have dreamed of a more perfect cast to tell the compelling and complex story of Ruth Ellis."

Ruth is produced in association with ITV Studios, which will handle global distribution.

Actor David Leon will be making a welcome return as Joe Ashworth for the 13th series of ITV’S hit crime show Vera. Other cast returning alongside Brenda Blethyn, for three new feature-length episodes, include established regulars Jon Morrison, and Riley Jones. Filming commences in early summer. 

Actor Kenny Doughty, who played DS Aidan Healey since 2015, recently announced his departure from the drama. Actress Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, will not be returning for the thirteenth series due to her theatre commitments. 

Brenda Blethyn commented: "It's been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo. They've both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I'll miss them. I'm absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started.”