It has been revealed that Alison O'Donnell will leave the BBC's beloved crime drama Shetland, after 13 years playing the co-leading role of DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh.
In a statement alongside the announcement, the actor has said: "Playing Tosh has been the greatest gift an actor could hope for. To be able to stay with the character, to allow her to grow in depth and maturity, and to be consistently rewarded and challenged by the writing and stories, has been such a rich and special experience.
"And to have had the support and loyalty of our wonderful audience has meant so much. I feel so incredibly lucky to have worked with so many hugely talented people both on and off screen."
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Alison went on to note that she "grew up in this job", adding: "It has shaped me as an actor, and as a collaborator. It's in my bones and in my heart. As are the isles themselves, which have become like a second home to me, and to my family. It's not going to be easy to leave it all behind, but I am excited for the future, for new adventures, and to take everything I have learned and loved in Shetland forward with me, to whatever may come next."
Part of the original Shetland cast, Alison has been in the role of Tosh since the first series of the long-running drama debuted in 2013. The hit series was adapted from the popular and award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves.
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The BBC has now confirmed that Alison has made the decision to depart Shetland, in order to explore other acting opportunities.
Gaynor Holmes, Executive Producer for BBC Drama, also said in a statement: "Alison has been a pleasure to work with and has truly brought the character of Tosh to life over the years.
"Her warmth shines through on screen, and we will ensure Tosh is given the fitting farewell she deserves. We are enormously grateful to Alison for everything she has brought to Shetland and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her."
We already knew that Shetland is set to return for a highly-anticipated 11th season, with six brand new episodes, and it's been revealed that Alison's final storyline will play out in this upcoming instalment.
Earlier this week, as excitement for the hit drama's return has been building, Digital Spy reflected on how the "gripping" new season will be unmissable for fans, with the synopsis revealing that the new mystery will centre around an "historic murder" that will "forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day".
Holmes previously teased of season 11: "This new series of Shetland is brimming with twists, turns and the kind of emotional punch that keeps viewers hooked."
Now we have yet another reason to make sure we're tuning in.
Shetland seasons 1-10 are streaming now on BBC iPlayer, and season 11 is on the way.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
