Shetland Returns for Series 10: Dark Secrets, New Faces, and a Case That Will Push DI Tosh to the Edge

The mist-shrouded isles of Scotland are about to reveal more deadly secrets — because BBC One’s much-loved crime drama Shetland is officially back in production for its tenth series.

And this time, viewers can expect a fresh wave of mystery, emotional depth, and stunning island backdrops as DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) and DI Alison “Tosh” MacIntosh (Alison O’Donnell) take on their most challenging case yet.

Following the series’ impressive run since its debut in 2013 — and the emotional departure of original lead Douglas Henshall (DI Jimmy Perez) in Series 7 — Shetland continues to thrive under its new direction. The show’s transition to focus on Tosh and newcomer Calder has proven a hit with audiences, and Series 10 promises to raise the stakes even higher.

A Brand-New Case in the Remote Isles

The BBC has confirmed that filming is underway in Scotland for a six-part series, once again produced by Silverprint Pictures.

According to the official synopsis, the new season will centre on a grisly murder in a remote corner of the Shetland Isles. But, as ever, nothing in Shetland is as simple as it seems.

“The case will see Tosh and Calder excavate the victim’s life, past and present, as well as the lives of those who knew her,” the BBC teased. “They soon begin to uncover dark secrets and terrible deeds at the heart of this close-knit community.”

That haunting line alone has sent fans into overdrive online, speculating that Series 10 could be one of the most intense instalments yet — with whispers of betrayal, buried trauma, and long-forgotten crimes lurking beneath the island’s tranquil surface.

New Faces Join the Shetland Ranks

Adding even more intrigue to the mix is a lineup of new characters set to shake up the Shetland landscape.

Among them is a recognisable star from the hit BBC sitcom Amandaland — a casting choice that’s already generating buzz for blending humour-honed talent with the show’s dark, atmospheric storytelling.

While details of the character remain tightly under wraps, insiders have hinted that the newcomer could hold the key to unravelling the case’s deepest secrets.

“We’re introducing new dynamics and perspectives to the show while staying true to what makes Shetland so compelling,” a BBC source revealed. “The chemistry between Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell continues to evolve beautifully, and this new chapter will challenge both characters in ways we haven’t seen before.”

A Show Still Going from Strength to Strength

Few dramas make it to ten series — but Shetland isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving.

Gaynor Holmes, BBC Commissioning Editor for Drama, praised the enduring success of the show and the creative team behind it:

“Now in its tenth series, Shetland continues to go from strength to strength and is loved by audiences across the UK and internationally. We’re very excited to see the fantastic creative team at Silverprint and their superbly talented cast and crew heading back into production with a compellingly new, gnarly, and emotional murder mystery.”

The “gnarly” description has already caught fans’ attention — suggesting a case that’s darker, twistier, and more psychologically complex than ever before.

From Page to Screen — and Beyond the Fog

Inspired by the novels of Ann Cleeves, Shetland has always been more than just a procedural. Its strength lies in how it marries gripping mystery with emotional storytelling — the isolation of island life, the weight of community secrets, and the moral lines blurred by loyalty and loss.

Since its launch, the show has earned a loyal international following, with viewers praising its haunting cinematography, character-driven plots, and the quiet melancholy that sets it apart from typical crime fare.

The departure of Douglas Henshall as DI Perez could have ended the show — but instead, it reinvented itself. Ashley Jensen’s Ruth Calder, a detective with her own complex backstory, has brought fresh energy, while Alison O’Donnell’s Tosh continues to shine as one of the most quietly powerful female leads on British television.

When Will Shetland Series 10 Air?

While an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, filming is now well underway across mainland Scotland and the Shetland Isles, meaning fans can expect the new series to arrive on BBC One and iPlayer in late 2025 or early 2026.

With production returning to the rugged coastlines and sweeping moors that have defined the show’s visual identity, expect plenty of breathtaking shots — and more than a few storm-lashed cliffside confrontations.

A Decade of Drama — and Still No Sign of Slowing Down

Ten years on, Shetland remains one of the BBC’s crown jewels — a rare drama that continues to balance authenticity, emotion, and suspense.

Whether you’ve followed it from the start or are just discovering it through its new direction, one thing’s clear: Shetland still knows how to keep us guessing.

And if the BBC’s hints are anything to go by, this latest case could expose more than just a killer — it might unearth the darkest secrets the islands have ever seen.

The fog is rolling in again. The clues are buried deep. And the truth, as always in Shetland, won’t stay hidden for long.