BBC Reveals Star-Studded Guest Cast for Shetland Series 9 as Filming Commences

As anticipation mounts for the return of the beloved BBC drama "Shetland," fans are in for a treat with the announcement of an impressive guest cast for the upcoming series. With filming already underway, acclaimed actors Ian Hart and Vincent Regan are set to join series regulars Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell in this thrilling new installment.

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Ian Hart, known for his roles in "Mr Bates VS The Post Office" and the "Harry Potter" franchise, expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, "I'm looking forward to embarking on a Shetland adventure – it's a place I've always wanted to visit and to do so with this incredible drama is wonderful."

Meanwhile, Vincent Regan, whose credits include "Traces" and "Luther: The Fallen Sun," shared his enthusiasm for joining the esteemed cast of "Shetland." "I'm thrilled to be joining the cast of Shetland, which is such a beloved BBC drama," said Regan. "The opportunity to visit the Shetland Isles was also a real pull to the part as well as working with the likes of Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell."

Joining Hart and Regan in the guest cast are Stuart Campbell, Robert Jack, Nalini Chetty, Jimmy Yuill, and Lesley Hart, among others. With such a talented ensemble, viewers can expect an enthralling storyline filled with twists and turns against the stunning backdrop of Scotland and the Shetland Isles.

The ninth series of "Shetland," produced by Silverprint Pictures, promises to deliver another gripping narrative as DI Calder, portrayed by Ashley Jensen, finds herself embroiled in a chilling investigation after a friend of Tosh's (Alison O'Donnell) goes missing. As personal and professional boundaries blur, Calder and Tosh delve into a labyrinthine mystery that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Originally based on the award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, "Shetland" has garnered a dedicated following since its debut, with the last series averaging 7.0 million viewers across its run. In Scotland, the show remains a standout, ranking as the second biggest drama of the year across all channels and streamers.

The new series, consisting of six episodes, will be written by lead writer Paul Logue and Denise Paul, with Louise V Say producing and Andrew Cumming and Ruth Paxton directing. Executive producers include Gaynor Holmes for the BBC, Kate Bartlett, Denise Paul, and Paul Logue for Silverprint Pictures.

"Shetland" is part of a slate of BBC dramas filmed in Scotland, showcasing the rich storytelling and breathtaking landscapes of the region. With series 10 already on the horizon, fans can rest assured that the mysteries of Shetland will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. Stay tuned for the premiere of series 9, coming soon to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.