Douglas Henshall to Exit Shetland After Season Seven

The BBC’s murder mystery Shetland returns for a seventh season in August, during which Douglas Henshall will make his final appearance.

Henshall has played the lead role of DI Jimmy Perez in the TV adaptation of Ann Cleeves’ novels since the show began in 2013. After nine years in the role, he will depart the series to explore other acting opportunities.

The Silverprint Pictures production, written by David Kane, Paul Logue and Denise Paul, will return for an eighth season in 2023. A new lead and further casting will be announced in the future.

“After series five of Shetland, David Kane and I decided we wanted to do two more series to complete the story of Jimmy Perez,” Henshall said. “So, series six and seven were commissioned together to give us time to wrap up Perez’s story to a satisfactory end. It’s been one of the privileges of my career to play Jimmy Perez for almost ten years and to work with so many wonderful people both in front of and behind the camera, and also to spend so much time in Shetland. The Isles were so much a part of our show and of Perez himself. I’ll miss him and the place. I wish everyone involved much luck with whatever happens next.”

“It has been an absolute privilege to work on Shetland over the past few years and watch the show go from strength to strength—in no small part thanks to Douglas’s sensitive, intelligent and memorable portrayal of DI Jimmy Perez,” said Gaynor Holmes, executive producer for BBC Drama. “We will miss him enormously, but he leaves the show in rude health, and we’re extremely excited about the plans we have for bringing more of this much-loved drama to audiences far and wide.”

Kate Bartlett, executive producer for Silverprint Pictures, added, “It has been amazing to have the opportunity to complete the story of Jimmy Perez, and Douglas Henshall is outstanding in the role. We had an incredible Scottish cast and crew, and David Kane has created a distinctive and emotionally complex story that unfolds against the stunning, evocative landscapes of Shetland. I’m very proud of this series and excited for the new series to come.”