Stars of BBC hit Shetland spotted filming in quiet Dumbarton street

Stars of the hit BBC drama Shetland were in Dumbarton last week, as filming continued for the show.

Crews were spotted on Alexander Street, near its junction with Bonhill Road, with much of the quiet road closed off as it was transformed into a set.

Star of the show, Alison O’Donnell, who plays Detective Sergeant Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh in the long-running crime drama was spotted on the set - before the Lennox was ushered away by members of the crew.

Shetland premiered in March 2013, immediately proving a huge hit - attracting more than 6 million viewers.

Since then, seven six-episode series have aired over the last decade - each attracting around six million viewers, with the series peaking 7.28 million viewers for 2021’s series six.

The critically-acclaimed drama was recommissioned by the BBC for two new series earlier this year.

Originally based on award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves, the new series of Shetland will see Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell reprising their roles as Detectives Ruth Calder and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.

It will also see the return of series regulars Steven Robertson (Sandy), Lewis Howden (Billy) and Anne Kidd (Cora).

Speaking as the new commission was announced, Alison O’Donnell said: “I could not be happier that Shetland is returning for two more series and am so excited to get started.

“I’m really proud of the journey this show has been on and of the way it continues to evolve and grow in exciting and surprising ways.

“That we have managed to grow such a loyal and supportive viewership is a dream come true. Ashley and I just scratched the surface of our dynamic in Series 8 and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to build on that.

“I can’t wait to see what the team have in store for us next.”

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama added: “It’s a joy to bring Shetland back for not one, but two new series, further strengthening the BBC’s commitment to this hugely successful Scottish drama that’s loved by fans across the UK and around the world.

“Ashley and Alison’s partnership has taken Shetland from strength to strength and into new exciting territory, which combined with Paul Logue’s captivating scripts will mean there’s plenty more in store as we head back to the Isles.”

Kate Bartlett, executive producer for Silverprint Pictures says: “We’re thrilled that the BBC has commissioned two more series of Shetland. Paul Logue creates distinctive and emotionally complex stories, set against the stunning and evocative landscape of Shetland. It’s wonderful to be making these series with such incredible Scottish talent in all areas of our production.”

Shetland is filmed across the country, with crews spotted in Fintry, Stirlingshire, last month.

As well as being broadcast across the UK on the BBC, the drama airs throughout Europe and beyond - in locations as far afield as Japan, Estonia, Latvia and New Zealand.

The new series is expected to hit screens later this year.