The countdown has begun for the new series of Shetland as BBC audiences gear up to witness DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) and DS Lorna Tosh McIntosh (Alison O'Donnell) return to lead another investigation.

This month, the BBC unveiled a preview of what lies ahead, with the female investigators summoned to an isolated village after the chilling killing of an elderly resident.

Before the series launches next month, star Alison O'Donnell has praised her collaboration with her fellow actress, revealing the connection they've forged since Ashley's arrival on the programme in 2022.

When questioned about maintaining their rapport between filming, Alison remarked, "I think our chemistry was pretty instant.

"The first few weeks, I remember trying to find my feet, because obviously, I had been doing the show for a long time.

"I had got into a very established rhythm, and then when everything changed, I remember for about two or three weeks, I just felt like, 'Oh, what's happening? I'm not sure what anything is'."

Ashley emphasised how she reckons it proved more challenging for Alison than herself, with the BBC star agreeing, reportsThe Daily Record.

She continued, "But then, after a few weeks, it just became so clear to me that you're the truest collaborator. Ashley just came in with a totally open heart. It was such a brilliant combination of being so open but bringing all of her own ideas and her experience to it as well.

"I remember just going, 'Oh, this is actually just a total pleasure.' And I haven't looked back from that point, and I don't feel like we need to try. It's just there."

The actress elaborated on how well they mesh together, admitting that their values and approach to balancing work and personal life align.

Alison added: "I can talk to Ashley about all that stuff, and she totally gets where I'm coming from, and I get where you're coming from. So that's a lovely element as well, that we have."

A preview for the upcoming series hints at loyalty being put to the test within the team, as one member has a personal link to the case they are investigating.

It reads: "As Calder and Tosh are drawn to a remote village following the sinister murder of an elderly woman. As they begin to unravel life in this close-knit community, shocking, long-buried secrets rise to the surface with unexpected consequences for all - including the team.

"In the isolated hamlet of Lunniswick, the body of the retired social worker Eadie Tulloch has been out in the elements for a number of days.

"Suspecting the residents are holding back about their relationships with Eadie, Calder and Tosh begin to unravel a complicated web of lies. Worse still, there's a personal link to the case for one of the team, testing loyalty to the limits."

Shetland will return on November 5, with the first nine series currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.