BBC Scotland announces the return of Shetland
A new series of the acclaimed crime drama Shetland was today recommissioned by BBC One highlighting BBC Scotland’s commitment to original British drama.
Published: 16 April 2014
Shetland is a really distinctive crime series that has proved hugely popular with audiences both here in Scotland and across the rest of the UK.
Produced by ITV Studios through BBC Scotland for BBC One, Shetland returns for a new six-part series (6x60) following the success of the recent second series which received 29.5% audience share in Scotland for the first four episodes (consolidated).
Starring Douglas Henshall in the lead role of DI Jimmy Perez, the drama is adapted from Ann Cleeves's successful Shetland quartet crime novels and as part of BBC Scotland’s aim of producing drama that shows and reflects life in Scotland.
Shetland was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One, and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama.
Christopher Aird, BBC Head of Drama Production Scotland, says: "Shetland is a really distinctive crime series that has proved hugely popular with audiences both here in Scotland and across the rest of the UK. I am thrilled it has been commissioned for a third outing and rest assured we have some really exciting plans for viewers from DI Perez and his team.”
Elaine Collins, ITV Studios, welcomes the return of Shetland for another series: “I’m delighted that Shetland has been recommissioned and proud to have made a distinctive Scottish show that is enjoyed all over the UK. It's also been a pleasure to work with outstanding actors like Douglas Henshall, Alison O’Donnell and Steven Robertson, who have made Jimmy Perez and his close-knit team a regular fixture in the homes of millions of viewers.”
Shetland will be executive produced by Elaine Collins for ITV Studios and Christopher Aird for BBC Scotland.
It joins other recently announced successful BBC One returning drama series including Call The Midwife and Death In Paradise alongside recently announced dramas: Agatha Christie, The C Word, Danny & The Human Zoo, Doctor Foster and Mapp & Lucia, cementing BBC One’s reputation for producing the widest range of home-grown British drama in the UK.
Shetland will film next year and further casting will be announced in due course.
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