Ashley named Shetland lead

ASHLEY Jensen will lead the cast of popular BBC One crime drama Shetland, taking over from Douglas Henshall who appeared in the TV show since its inception in 2013.

The 53-year-old Scottish actress will star as Detective Inspector Ruth Calder in the eighth series, a native Shetlander who returns to the isles after 20 years working for the Met in London.

The After Life star has replaced Glasgow-born actor Henshall, who bade farewell to the murder mystery TV favourite after series seven.

Jensen said she was “absolutely thrilled” to be joining the new series, written by Paul

Logue.

“It’s such a hugely successful show and

I am aware I have very big boots to fill since the departure of DI Perez, who was very much loved by fans of the show,” she said.

Kate Bartlett, executive producer for Silverprint Pictures, said: “We’re so thrilled that Ashley is going to be leading this new series of Shetland, alongside Alison O’Donnell as Tosh.

“They will be an exciting duo in Paul Logue’s compelling new version. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to make another series with such incredible Scottish talent.”

The new series, which returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer next year, will film in locations on the Shetland Isles and across Scotland from the spring, the BBC said.