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

The BBC has confirmed that Shetland, the beloved Scotland-set detective drama, will return in the very near future, with the upcoming season set to feature the final chapter for a much-loved character.

The series, which is based on Ann Cleeves's collection of novels, will return with its 11th season on Thursday 12 November at 9pm on BBC One. Naturally, it will also stream on BBC iPlayer.

The season sees DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) and DI Alison "Tosh" McIntosh (Alison O'Donnell) investigate a new batch of crimes, with the disappearance of a local doctor being one of the cases.

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"When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made - crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male," reads the logline for the eagerly awaited season.

"The team's search to uncover the victim's identity begins with a hunt for the vehicle's owner – a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago."

"As Calder and Tosh dig deeper into the enigmatic GP's state-of-mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind, the investigation takes them to dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth," it continues.

Though excitement is building for the return of the detective drama, there is an element of sadness, as it was confirmed in June that the 11th season would be the final chapter for O'Donnell ahead of her exit.

Speaking about her departure, the actor, who has appeared in all 11 seasons of the popular series since 2013, said that "playing Tosh has been the greatest gift an actor could hope for", and dubbed it a "rich and special experience".

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"To have had the support and loyalty of our wonderful audience has meant so much," she continued. "I feel so incredibly lucky to have worked with so many hugely talented people both on and off screen."

O'Donnell added that the role had "shaped" her, adding: "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."

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

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.