Shetland star reveals her final season includes the "most challenging scenes I've ever shot"

One of Shetland’s biggest stars is preparing to say goodbye to a character she has played for over 13 years. Alison O'Donnell is the only member of the cast to have featured in every episode of the BBC crime drama since its inception.

But having embodied the role of DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh for the upcoming 11th season, the actor has decided it will be her last.

Related: Shetland's Alison O'Donnell says it will take 'years to fully process' her exit from the BBC drama

The next chapter of Shetland will be emotional for O’Donnell as she bids farewell. She certainly went out with a bang, too, telling the BBC that her last season was the toughest to film.

“These were some of the most challenging scenes I've ever shot for the show,” the actor explained, while promising fans a "wild ride".

“All I can say is there was a huge amount of work involved - the building of special sets, an incredible stunt artist, and some extremely deep emotional digging."

Related: BBC's beloved Scotland-set detective drama finally confirms return date before major character exit

O’Donnell continued: “Hopefully that doesn't give too much away. That's the thrilling side of it, but there were also many more thoughtful scenes with all the important people. It's all in there. I think it's a memorable exit. We'll see!”

Shetland follows O’Donnell’s character McIntosh, who begins the show as a Detective Sergeant, and gradually rises through the ranks to become a Detective Inspector.

Viewers resonated with the character due to her ability to be compassionate and level-headed. Ahead of her final season, O’Donnell also explained why it was the right time to step away from her role.

“I'm not even really sure I know how to answer this one! It's not down to one particular thing, but rather a coming together of various components,” she said.

"I've been involved with it for 14 years now, and I've been so lucky to have been given so many different storylines and challenges and to have worked with so many extraordinary actors, but at this point it feels like we've probably explored it enough."

O’Donnell added: “I don't think I would ever have found a moment to step away that didn't feel sad and bittersweet, but something in me said 'leap', and so I did.”

The actor announced she would be leaving the show over the summer, and has since said it could take her "years to fully process" her exit. "It just felt so overwhelming," she recalled.

Shetland returns on 12 November, and will air on BBC One while also streaming on BBC iPlayer.

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