Shetland series 10, episode 1 cast: Who has joined the cast for new series?

Shetland is returning for its 10th series, with the beloved team heading to a quaint Scottish village following the chilling murder of an elderly woman. Fans of the enduring murder mystery drama will be thrilled to see some familiar faces gracing their screens once more.

Returning to their roles are Alison O'Donnell and Ashley Jensen as DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh and DI Ruth Calder, alongside Steven Robertson as Sandy and Lewis Howden as Sgt Billy McCabe. Samuel Anderson, known for his role in Gavin and Stacey as Fingers, joins the cast this year as Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake.

Audiences may also recognise Samuel from his roles in Amandaland as Mal, Loaded as Leon, Trollied as Daniel, and Doctor Who as Danny Pink. He also appeared in Emmerdale as Ross Kirk between 2007 and 2009.

In addition to the main cast, there's an impressive line-up of guest characters being introduced for series 10 as the team heads to the secluded hamlet of Lunniswick, where the body of retired social worker Eadie Tulloch has been exposed to the elements for several days.

Guest stars include Outlander and Game of Thrones actor Clive Russell, who previously appeared on Shetland in season two, Motherland's Ellie Haddington, Line of Duty star Niall Macgregor, Sherlock and Casualty's Louise Brealey, Fresh Meat's Greg McHugh, Home Fires actor Frances Grey and Stuart Townsend, known for The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Alison has been part of Shetland from the outset, initially appearing alongside Douglas Henshall before his departure from the role of DI Jimmy Perez in series seven.

Discussing where Tosh finds herself at the beginning of series 10, Alison explained: "At the start of this new series, Tosh has really settled into her role as DI. Having reached a maturational threshold during season nine, realising that certain relationships were no longer serving her, she is knuckling down at work and focussing on the things in her life that truly matter."

Alison's previous credits include Holby City and the film Pet Sematary.

Ashley succeeded Douglas in 2023, though prior to Shetland she gained recognition through Agatha Raisin, Afterlife, Catastrophe, Ugly Betty and Extras amongst numerous other productions.

Regarding her character Calder's position in the new series, Ashley commented: "She's pretty settled into the police station and her life in Shetland. She's unpacked all her boxes and settled into the community - well as much as Ruth Calder ever could."

Steven reprises his role as Detective Sandy Wilson, a character who has featured in the programme since its launch in 2013. Audiences will also know Steven from The Bay, Harlots and Being Human.

In series 10, Sandy finds himself in a whirlwind of activity. He's caught between two major investigations: the ongoing drugs operation that kicks off the series and the murder of Eadie Tulloch.

Lewis Howden will be reprising his role as Sgt Billy Mccabe. This year, he'll be trading his usual studio for on-location scenes in the Shetland Isles.

Fans may recognise Lewis from his roles in Taggart, Hope Springs, and more recently, Annika.

Samuel Anderson is set to introduce a new character, Procurator Fiscal Matt Blake. Speaking about his character, Samuel revealed: "Matt has recently joined the Shetland team as Procurator Fiscal, he's a bit of a city boy and this is the first time he's been away from a massive population. He's a young, ambitious guy and the position he's climbed to very quickly says a lot about him and his drive an intellect as well as his desire to do good both for himself and his counterparts."

Viewers might remember Samuel from his roles in Gavin and Stacey as Fingers, Mal in Amandaland, Leon in Loaded, and Daniel in Trollied. Samuel also had stints in Doctor Who as Danny Pink and Emmerdale as Ross Kirk between 2007 and 2009.

Guest characters include Clive Russell (Outlander, Game of Thrones) as Arthur Mair, Ellie Haddington (Motherland) as Lana Mair, and Niall Macgregor (Line of Duty) as Tom Jameson.

Louise Brealey, known for her roles in Sherlock and Casualty, will be playing Isobel Jameson. Greg Mchugh, from Fresh Meat, is set to portray Colin Waite.

Frances Grey, who starred in Home Fires, will take on the role of Gina Powell. Stuart Townsend, from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, will be playing Edward 'Ed' Tulloch.