Shetland has now – quietly and assuredly – become one of the BBC’s marquee, long-running crime series. The beloved show is about to drop its seventh series, but something else has dropped today (Wednesday 20th July)… a real bombshell: star Douglas Henshall has quit the series.
Speaking with the Radio Times, Henshall – who plays DI Jimmy Perez – said: “After series five of Shetland, David Kane and I decided we wanted to do two more series to complete the story of Jimmy Perez. 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 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.
“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.”
And what does happen next? An eighth series has been commissioned and a new lead actor (and character) will take over from Perez on the island.
Creator Ann Cleeves – whose novels the show is based on – took to Twitter to give her reaction.
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The Killing Times 
Eight seasons will be a great run. It is a terrific show in every aspect. I wish Mr Henshall the best and thank him for his wonderful interpretation of the character of Jimmy Perez.
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Very much agree!
DH is a big factor in my enjoyment of the show – atop an ensemble cast who work so well together.
Can’t wait for the next series!
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I love this series and the continuing intertwining of characters. But, I did feel the last one dipped a bit despite the “light show” extravaganza episode. So, we get the eighth series soon to see if Mr Perez is re-instated! Is that right? And then a new character not a replacement in future series? I think it is time to stop, perhaps, before the plots, realism and production get too off the planet.
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One of the very best series
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Mr. Henshall will be greatly missed in his role as DI Perez. Thank goodness this marvelous program will continue.
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