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

Alison O'Donnell has reflected on stepping down from the role of Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh in BBC drama Shetland. Since the show began 13 years ago, Alison has played the dedicated, empathetic detective who has grown from a young junior officer into a seasoned Detective Inspector.

Earlier this year, the actor announced she would be leaving the show, with her final scenes taking place in the upcoming 11th season, which begins on Thursday 12 November.

Talking about filming her exit, Alison said: "When something is as seismic as this was, you just can't really take it in as you're doing it. It's like trying to look directly at the sun. It's too big and powerful.

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"So, I just got my costume on and went to set and tried to soak it all in and spend time with my favourite people and serve the scenes."

She continued: "On my final day, a lot of crew came dressed as Tosh. They were all wearing fair isle jumpers and had their hair up in a bun. It was so fun and thoughtful.

"Our producer Angus [Sharpe] made a speech after we wrapped my final scene, but sadly I can't really remember what he said because I was crying; it just came over me. It just felt so overwhelming. I think it's going to take me years to fully process it."

Reflecting on saying goodbye to her fellow original cast members Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, and Anne Kidd, she described the four of them as a "family" who will still be close despite her leaving the show.

"We're family and that's not going to change," she said. "My last day of filming on the Isles was beautiful and sunny and we were in a stunning location overlooking the sea.

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"I was filming with Lewis [Billy] and Angus, who plays Donnie, and I took the opportunity to tell them that this would be my last day filming up there.

"It was really special, as I have such a close bond with both of them, and we were able to have the sort of intense conversations that you don't usually have in life, those conversations that can only really be managed in a moment like that. I'll cherish that day forever."

"And Steven [Sandy] and I had many goodbyes! He's been an absolute rock for me in recent times, an emotional guru! And I hope I've been there for him. I hope we can all have a reunion up in the Isles some day," she continued.

Alison also said she will miss the "magic and majesty" of filming in the Shetland Isles, as well as inhabiting the character of Tosh, which she has done since 2013.

"How the air feels different and nature and the landscape come to meet you in the most humbling and awe-inspiring way," she said.

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"I'll also miss bringing my family and doing all our favourite trips - Sands of Sound beach and poking around in all the little gift shops.

"And I'll miss Tosh. She has been a constant companion for over a decade. I loved her tenacity and her humour; the way she had no airs and was full of empathy. She gave me so much."

Shetland season 11 begins on Thursday 12 November at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Seasons 1-10 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn