Shetland enthusiasts have been left scratching their heads after noticing a character’s absence in the new series.
The drama has returned to television with its ninth season, and while it has quickly become a favourite among fans, some are puzzled by certain plotlines that seem to have been dropped.
Audiences are particularly perplexed about the whereabouts of DI Alison McIntosh’s (played by Alison O’Donnell) baby in the latest instalment. The character, affectionately known as Tosh, had a baby girl with Donnie Russell (portrayed by Angus Miller), but there has been no word on the infant in the ninth season, despite several episodes having been broadcast.
Social media has seen viewers express their bewilderment, with one fan commenting: “Week 5 and still no sight or mention of Tosh’s baby! #ToshsBaby #shetland,” and another chiming in: “Also, 4 episodes in and still no sign or mention of Tosh’s baby!”.
Another confused viewer questioned: “Have I missed something about Tosh and Donny’s baby? Has she been seen or mentioned at all this season? #shetland,” Meanwhile, a fourth remarked: “As ever, the biggest mystery on #shetland is what’s happened to Tosh and Donnie’s baby?!”
Shetland fans were distracted by the missing baby (Image: BBC)
Despite the baffling disappearance, the current series of Shetland has received acclaim from its audience. This season follows DI Calder and Tosh as they embark on an extensive investigation when Tosh’s friend Annie Betts vanishes, reports .
Ashley Jensen, acclaimed for her role as DI Ruth Calder on the series Shetland, has been lauded by audiences following the show’s recent return.
Fans have been emphatic with their praise, with one viewer gushing: “Ashley Jensen is so good, a perfect addition, different but the same,” while another expressed, “I’m loving Ashley Jensen in Shetland.”
Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder with Alison O’Donnell as Tosh (Image: BBC/Silverprint Films/Jamie Simpson)
Delving into the intricacies of series nine, the 55-year-old actress disclosed: “It’s a very complex web this series. In fact, I decided that I wasn’t going to find out who the murderer was. So, for the first three episodes I felt like I was really in Calder’s shoes.”
“I was looking at people through the character’s eyes thinking, ‘What are you giving me?’, then I would leave a scene and quickly look back around again, just to see if somebody was doing something they shouldn’t have been behind the coppers’ backs after we’d gone.”
“It added another element of fun for me. When I was playing the part, I wanted to be really present in every scene, to make myself look and listen to what people were saying, to see if I could solve the puzzle and ultimately, the crime.”
Shetland continues on Wednesdays at 9pm on One and iPlayer