Alison O'Donnell opens up on her emotional exit from Shetland after more than a decade.
On 7th Nov 2026, the BBC released the first glimpse of Shetland season 11, a six-part, hour-long series that returns to the stark archipelago with a fresh murder mystery. The plot centres on a skeletal discovery inside a car recovered from sea water, prompting Detective Constable Tosh and her partner Caledon (known as Calder) to reopen a decades-old case.
Regulars Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Anne Kidd and Eubha Akilade reprise their roles, while guest stars such as Gregor Fisher, Gavin Mitchell, Beth Marshall and Helen Mackay add new layers to the investigation.
Amid the on-screen intrigue, the real headline is the imminent departure of Alison O’Donnell, who has embodied DI Alison McIntosh since the series began in 2013.
Arriving on set in a sleek black ensemble of platform shoes, high-waisted jeans and a balayed T-shirt, O’Donnell’s look starkly contrasts the modest Shetland wardrobe that has defined her character. In this final appearance, she dons the iconic woolly jumper and sturdy work boots one last time before hanging up the green parka that has become her trademark.
Season 11: A fitting stage for a farewell
The new season is billed as a turning point not only for the storyline but also for the relationships that have driven the series for over a decade. After the cliffhanger of the previous year, where Tosh found herself torn between loyalty to colleague Billy (Lewis Howden) and her own moral compass, the latest episodes explore the fallout. DI Ruth Calder (played by Ashley Jensen) must navigate a team that feels the aftershocks of Tosh’s decision to surrender herself, while Tosh herself wrestles with displacement and lingering emotions. According to O’Donnell, the narrative gives the duo a chance to “find their way back to each other,” setting the stage for a poignant goodbye.
Production notes reveal that filming continued to challenge the cast, from unpredictable Shetland weather to the logistical pressure of back-to-back yearly shoots. O’Donnell described the schedule as a “juggernaut,” noting that after each shoot comes a wave of ADR, press, and a new script just before the holidays. This relentless pace, combined with the demands of a young family, contributed to her decision to step away.
From constable to detective: O’Donnell’s 13-year evolution
Born in Motherwell, Alison O’Donnell originally pursued a degree in international law before swapping textbooks for auditions. She first appeared as a constable on the BAFTA-winning series, gradually climbing the ranks to become detective inspector – a role that required a shift from the early series’ light-hearted banter to a more serious, justice-driven presence. O’Donnell reflects that Tosh has always been “sensitive, observant and tenacious,” but that the character matured alongside her, shedding much of the earlier silliness in favour of gravitas.
When asked about the emotional weight of leaving, O’Donnell admitted the process is “slow, lingering” and that it will take time to fully process the end of a chapter that has defined much of her professional life. She emphasised that the show’s longevity – now entering its 14th year – means the narrative can survive a change of guard, but she felt the time was right before storylines began to feel repetitive. “We’ve been doing the same ground for years,” she said, noting unanswered questions about Tosh’s family that never materialised.
Looking ahead: new projects and lingering ties
With the curtain closing on Shetland, O’Donnell is already exploring fresh creative avenues. She has been drafting a Christmas romantic comedy set in Glasgow for eight years, alongside three half-hour scripts and a 60-minute drama. “I want to write and explore comedy or period pieces,” she revealed, signalling a desire to stretch her artistic muscles beyond the gritty world of crime drama.
Despite the departure, O’Donnell’s connection to the islands remains strong. Her children have formed bonds with the community, and she recalls moments like a child’s first steps on a Shetland beach and the occasional fan recognition in local shops. While she cannot take iconic wardrobe pieces such as the green parka, she has kept a pair of Blundstone boots worn for three years and a few casual Birkenstocks as personal mementos.
The final season of Shetland serves as both a narrative climax and a professional farewell for Alison O’Donnell. Her candid reflections on the challenges of a demanding shooting schedule, the evolution of her character, and the excitement for upcoming writing projects provide fans with a clear picture of why the exit feels both inevitable and heartfelt. As the series moves forward without its long-standing lead, the legacy of DI Alison McIntosh is assured to linger in the cold, dramatic landscape of the northern isles.
