Shetland season 9 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Shetland season 9 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

As a die-hard fan of British television, I must say that Steven Miller has truly made a name for himself in the industry. His versatility, as seen in his roles from Teacup Travels to Let the Right One In and Trainspotting, showcases his ability to adapt to various characters and settings.


The acclaimed crime series “Shetland” returns for its ninth installment, offering yet another intriguing mystery to solve by detective pair DI Ruth Calder and DI Alison “Tosh” McIntosh.

When Tosh’s friend disappears, the boundary between their private and work life becomes indistinct.

Additionally, the team is dealing with another case where two brothers were engaged in a fatal dispute.

Investigating missing persons pulls Tosh and Calder into a tangle of deceit. When someone injured shows up at a secluded garage, the team is caught off guard by what’s to come.” (Paraphrased from your original sentence)

In this version, some well-known figures make a comeback, joining the main investigators, as well as an array of fresh supporting actors.

Find the full rundown below.

Shetland season 9 cast

  • Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder
  • Alison O’Donnell as DI Alison ”Tosh” McIntosh
  • Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson
  • Lewis Howden as Sgt Billy McCabe
  • Angus Miller as Donnie
  • Steven Miller as Reverend Alan Calder
  • Anne Kidd as forensic pathologist Cora McLean
  • Conor McCarry as PC Alex Grant
  • Eubha Akilade as PC Lorna Burns
  • Tibu Fortes as procurator fiscal Harry Lamont

Delve further into details about the characters appearing in Shetland’s ninth season, as well as recognizable roles portrayed by the cast members in previous productions.

Ashley Jensen plays Ruth Calder

Shetland season 9 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

What is known about Ruth Calder? She is a detective inspector who has permanently returned to Shetland from London. Actress Ashley Jensen joined the cast in season 8, after Douglas Henshall’s departure.

According to Jensen, Calder feels compelled to revisit Shetland because it seems as if there’s an incomplete task or a strong pull towards home. The reason for this visit, however, contradicts her usual inclinations, as she aims to discover her true identity there.

Upon her return in the latest set of episodes, she initially believed that her role would be to resolve the case and swiftly return to London, resuming her normal life. However, she’s finding herself unexpectedly drawn towards home again.

Have you recognized Ashley Jensen from any previous roles? She’s well-known for her work in After Life with Ricky Gervais, the comedy Catastrophe on Channel 4, Ugly Betty alongside America Ferrera, the crime comedy-drama Agatha Raisin, and the sitcom Extras.

Alison O’Donnell plays Alison ”Tosh” McIntosh 

Shetland season 9 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Alison “Tosh” McIntosh? Tosh has finally been promoted to detective inspector.

Tosh has returned to her usual spot – the Lerwick Police Station, as mentioned by O’Donnell. Now, instead of just being there, she’s also taking on the role of being in command, alongside DI Ruth Calder.

It’s clear that her self-assurance has been growing since we initially encountered her with her braces and bobble hat. Without a doubt, her confidence has soared significantly in the past few years as she’s taken on challenges following Perez’s departure, realizing her abilities may have exceeded what she originally believed.

Although she occasionally experiences small bouts of self-doubt, I believe this adds authenticity because the viewers have seen her evolve from a novice to a high-ranking position, and it’s believable and relatable that someone in such a role might stumble every now and then.

What other TV shows or roles has Alison O’Donnell been involved in prior to Shetland?

Steven Robertson plays Sandy Wilson

Shetland season 9 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Inquisition: Who does the term “DC Sandy Wilson” refer to?

Is there anything else Steven Robertson is known for acting in? The talented Scottish actor, originally from Lerwick on the Shetland Islands, has graced our screens in period drama Harlots, Doctor Who, Being Human, among others. He also took on the role of DI Jimmy Perez in a radio adaptation of Shetland.

Lewis Howden plays Billy McCabe

Shetland season 9 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Sergeant Billy McCabe? A reliable and experienced police sergeant.

As a dedicated admirer of Lewis Howden, I’ve always appreciated his exceptional stage performances. Yet, beyond the stage, there’s more to explore! He boasts an impressive TV resume with appearances in series like Hope Springs, Taggart, and Monarch of the Glen.

Angus Miller plays Donnie Russell

Shetland season 9 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Donnie Russell? He is Tosh’s partner and the father of her child. Their friendship with Donnie was strained when his friends, who also happen to be his wife Annie, disappeared.

According to O’Donnell, Donnie has a very close personal relationship with this individual. As it turns out, his best friend plays a significant role in the ongoing investigation. While Donnie stands by Tosh, he finds himself torn between his loyalty towards his friend and the evolving nature of the police investigation.

In their tight-knit society, clashes of interest are unavoidable due to the imperfections and fallibility of its members. Relationships within this community can be fragile, making life a bit rocky for everyone involved.

Has there been anything else where we might have seen Angus Miller, besides his role in Teacup Travels? Well, he’s also known for gracing the stages of Scotland with roles such as those in Let the Right One In, Trainspotting, and The Belle’s Stratagem.

Steven Miller plays Alan Calder

Shetland season 9 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Alan Calder? A reverend and Ruth’s brother. Alan’s wife has left him.

What else has Steven Miller been in? You might know him from Casualty and Payback.

Additional returnees include:

  • Anne Kidd (Outlander) as Cora – a forensic pathologist. 
  • Conor McCarry (The Loch) as PC Alex Grant.
  • Eubha Akilade (Find Me in Paris) as PC Lorna Burns.
  • Tibu Fortes (Emmerdale) as procurator fiscal Harry Lamont.

Shetland season 9 guest stars

  • Sarah MacGillivray (Outlander) plays Annie Bett – a friend of Tosh’s who goes missing in the first episode. She’s estranged from her husband. They share a son Noah, played by Jacob Ferguson.
  • Robert Jack (Gary: Tank Commander) plays Ian Bett – Annie’s husband. Ian is a local businessman who is well-liked in the community. He’s a close friend of Donnie’s. 
  • Vincent Regan (Traces, Luther: The Fallen Sun, Aquaman) plays John Harris – an “old school Shetlander” who runs a mussel farm. He’s recently widowed.
  • John’s sons Patrick and Fergus are played by Ross Anderson (The Last Kingdom) and Macleod Stephen (Granite Harbour) respectively. 
  • Ian Hart (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Harry Potter, The Responder) plays Euan Rossi – an Oxford University Professor of Mathematics who travels to Shetland when he learns friend and former student Annie Betts has gone missing. 
  • Stuart Campbell (Hetty Feather, The Winter King, SAS Rogue Heroes) plays Malcolm Kidd – he murders his brother.
  • Christina Gordon (Diarra from Detroit) plays Eleanor Douglas – Malcolm’s fiancée.
  • Tara Lee (The Suspect, The Fall, Raw) plays Lisa Friel – a troubled young woman who runs away from the shelter she’s being housed at. 
  • Jimmy Yuill (EastEnders, Wycliffe) plays Angus Wallace – he’s known as “campervan Angus”. Lisa is currently shacked up in his vehicle.
  • Liz Ewing (The Nest) plays Ailsa Forbes – she runs the local homeless shelter. 
  • Andrew John Tait (Rebus, Scot Squad) plays Michael Stack – a housing officer.

Shetland airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Ann Cleeves’s Shetland novels are available to buy now.

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2024-11-06 22:04