The actress played DI McIntosh for 13 years(Image: BBC/Silverprint Films)
A Death in Paradise star is the current frontrunner to replace Tosh in Shetland.
Alison first brought DS Alison “Tosh” McIntosh to life in 2013, in the debut television adaptation of crime author Ann Cleeves’ award-winning novels. However, after more than a decade on our screens, Alison has chosen to leave Shetland in pursuit of fresh acting ventures.
While the BBC has not confirmed the future of the series or whether Tosh will be replaced by another detective, the bookmakers have shared their predictions about who could replace the beloved character, and Ralf Little is the frontrunner.
Ralf, who played Detective Neville Parker in Death in Paradise, has been given exclusive odds of 7/1 by Betway. Another name thrown into the mix is Doc Martin star Martin Clunes, with odds of 10/1.
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Douglas Henshall, who played Jimmy Henshall in Shetland before being replaced by Ashley Jensen’s Ruth Calder, is also rumoured for a comeback with odds of 12/1.
Former Shetland star Mark Bonnar has been given odds of 14/1 to replace Tosh, while Martin Compston has odds of 20/1, James Nesbitt has odds of 25/1, and finally, David Tennant has odds of 33/1.
Death in Paradise star Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker.(Image: BBC)
In an emotional statement, Alison confirmed her decision to leave the BBC series. She said, “Playing Tosh has been the greatest gift an actor could hope for. To be able to stay with the character, to allow her to grow in depth and maturity, and to be consistently rewarded and challenged by the writing and stories, has been such a rich and special experience.
“And to have had the support and loyalty of our wonderful audience has meant so much. I feel so incredibly lucky to have worked with so many hugely talented people both on and off screen.”
Martin Clunes is also among the names to replace Tosh(Image: ITV)
She continued: “I grew up in this job. It has shaped me as an actor and as a collaborator. It’s in my bones and in my heart. As are the isles themselves, which have become like a second home to me and to my family. It’s not going to be easy to leave it all behind, but I am excited for the future, for new adventures, and to take everything I have learned and loved in Shetland forward with me, to whatever may come next.”
Alison’s concluding storyline features in a new six-part series of Shetland, which centres around a historic murder that will forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day.
Alison O’Donnell is leaving Shetland(Image: BBC)
Production on the newest series has recently commenced in Scotland, with Alison returning to her role opposite Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder.
The new series welcomes Christine Bottomley, Kevin Harvey, Stella Gonet, Gregor Fisher, and Gavin Mitchell to the cast. Additional guest appearances feature John Wark, Jude Bain, Robin Weaver, John McLarnon, Beth Marshall, Daniel Boyd, Charlene Boyd, and Helen Mackay.
Alison and Ashley will be accompanied by familiar faces, including Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Samuel Anderson, Steven Miller, Anne Kidd, Angus Miller, Connor McCarry, and Eubha Akilade.
Shetland is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.