BBC Shetland viewers have threatened to 'boycott' the hit crime drama following the announcement that Douglas Henshall would not be starring in the two upcoming seasons.
In 2022, fans were left shattered after the former Detective Jimmy Perez actor revealed that he was leaving his role.
Following the Beeb’s announcement that Shetland will be returing for two more seasons but without the fan favourite character Detective Jimmy, viewers have taken to social media and pleaded for the actor to make a comeback.
Fans were shocked when Douglas said he was departing from the hit series just one month before the last episode of season seven aired.
At the time he explained that his character Jimmy and the show had done everything they could, and he was "very comfortable" with his choice to exit because he wanted to explore new acting roles.
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Yesterday Shetland show bosses disclosed that Ashley Jensen, who plays Detective Ruth Calder, and Alison O'Donnell, who portrays Alison "Tosh" McIntosh, will once more be taking on the lead roles for the two new upcoming seasons, despite thebacklash they received about Douglas' replacement.
Ashley and Alison are delighted to be reprising their roles, but fans who really miss Jimmy Perez have taken to X and shared their thoughts on the latest casting update.
One viewer said: "I just can't. Sorry. Douglas Henshall is and will only be the detective of #Shetland."
Another followed it with: "I miss Douglas Henshall. The Ashley Jensen character is a bit hot-headed for a senior police officer. Tosh could lead the series better."
Another really memoptional fans penned: "Not a fan of Ashley Jensen, so not watching anymore, ever.”
"I will NOT be returning TO THIS SHOW! BBC sucks!! No way I'm watching this after firing the star,” added another fan.
However, not everyone is sad about Douglas’s departure as another fan commented: "Fabulous! Of course, I miss @djhenshall and was gutted when he left."
A second viewer shared: "We know how good @AtotheOD is - I loved the last series. We don't know enough about Ashley Jenson's character - she was fab, as always. I'm really looking forward to it."
"Oh wow! I love that it's coming back onto our screen #series9#Shetland,” typed another hyped viewer.
The BBC verified that Shetland will be back for two more series in 2024 and 2025, and filming is expected to resume this month, with further casting announced in due course.
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Series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy), and Anne Kidd (Cora) are all returning in the new series of Shetland.
Speaking about her return to the peoplar BBC show, Ashley expressed: “I’m thrilled I’ll be returning to the Shetland Isles again to play the wonderfully complex DI Ruth Calder. The reaction to the last series was incredible and I’m excited at the prospect of unravelling more intrigue.
"The Shetland Isles are breathtaking – without a doubt one of the most memorable and unique filming locations I’ve been to. I’m looking forward to jumping on that wee plane again and returning soon.”
Alison added: "I could not be happier that Shetland is returning for two more series and am so excited to get started.
"I'm really proud of the journey this show has been on and of the way it continues to evolve and grow in exciting and surprising ways.
“That we have managed to grow such a loyal and supportive viewership is a dream come true.
"Ashley and I just scratched the surface of our dynamic in Series 8 and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on that."
The Tosh star continued: "I can't wait to see what Paul and the team have in store for us next."
Last year Shetland viewers claimed they were left bitterly disappointed by the show, leading some to “give up” the new series.
The criticism came after Douglas was replaced by Ashley character DI Ruth Calder.
Shetland is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
