A much-loved murder mystery series is poised to make its return for a brand new season, much to the delight of devoted fans. The BBC has announced that production has commenced on the latest series of the critically acclaimed crime drama Shetland, with Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell returning to their roles as DI Ruth Calder and DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh, alongside established series regulars and guest stars.

The 11th series of Shetland will shoot across various locations throughout Scotland and on the Shetland Isles over the coming months, with fresh episodes due to air on BBC One and iPlayer later this year. This follows just four months after season 10 drew to a close. Joining the cast of the new six-part series are Christine Bottomley (Sherwood), Kevin Harvey (This City Is Ours), Stella Gonet (The Crown), Gregor Fisher (Only Child), and Gavin Mitchell (Crime).

Additional guest stars include John Wark (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth), Jude Bain (Let It Come Down), Robin Weaver (Rivals), John McLarnon (I Swear), Beth Marshall (The Bombing of Pan Am 103), Daniel Boyd (House of the Dragon), Charlene Boyd (Department Q), and Helen Mackay (Shetland), reports the Mirror.

Ashley and Alison will also be joined by returning cast members Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Samuel Anderson, Steven Miller, Anne Kidd, Angus Miller, Conor McCarry, and Eubha Akilade.

Shetland is originally based on the award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves. The forthcoming series will revolve around a historic murder which promises to "forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day".

The official synopsis reveals: "When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made - crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. The team's search to uncover the victim's identity, begins with a hunt for the vehicle's owner - a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago.

"As Calder and Tosh dig deeper into the enigmatic GP's state-of-mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind, the investigation takes them to dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth."

Gaynor Holmes, Commissioning Editor for the BBC, said in a statement: "This new series of Shetland is brimming with twists, turns, and the kind of emotional punch that keeps viewers hooked. Paul Logue [lead writer] has once again spun a gripping, atmospheric story, with the wild beauty of the Shetland Isles at its heart.

"Alison and Ashley lead our stellar core cast who are joined by a brilliant line up of guest stars and supported by a crew whose craft and passion shine through in every frame - together showcasing Scotland on screen at its very best."

Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer for Silverprint Pictures, added: "We're so excited about this new series of Shetland with Ashley and Alison, alongside our wonderful returning cast and a fantastic guest cast.

"Paul Logue has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of the Shetland Isles. We're thrilled to be making this new series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of production."

Shetland commands a devoted following of millions, and ranked amongst the top five most-watched BBC drama series of 2025. Furthermore, it held its position as the number one BBC drama amongst Scottish viewers.

Audiences have continued to heap praise on the programme online, with one IMDb user writing: "One of the best detective shows I have seen in a very long time. The scenery is spectacular and the acting is wonderful. Each episode is deeply immersive."

Another added: "I binged watched all the seasons and it's hard to beat. The perfect crime drama," while a third commented: "Best detective show I've seen in ages. Great storylines that keep you guessing the whole way through the series." A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: "Stunning, gripping, dynamic noir series. Beautiful scenery, laid back pace but still a gripping series with great characters."

Shetland is available to stream on BBC iPlayer