Douglas Henshall will be departing BBC’s blockbuster crime thriller Shetland after seven series, it’s been confirmed.
The Glasgow-born actor, 56, has starred as DI Jimmy Perez in the murder mystery since 2013, adapted from the award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves.
He’s spent almost nine years in the role but the upcoming seventh cycle, which also stars Alison O’Donnell and Mark Bonnar and kicks off in August, will be his last as he branches out to explore more acting roles.
‘It’s been one of the privileges of my career to play Jimmy Perez for almost 10 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,’ said Henshall.
‘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.’
Gaynor Holmes, executive producer for BBC Drama, added: ‘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.
‘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.’
Shetland will, however, return for an eighth series with a new lead and casting announcements to be made in the coming months.
In Henshall’s final series as DI Perez, his team will investigate the mysterious disappearance of a vulnerable young man.
The investigation draws Perez into the secret past of a family new to Shetland, revealing an ‘unimaginable threat to the community.’
Shetland returns to BBC One in August.
