Douglas Henshall will return to the lead role as Detective Jimmy Perez in an extended six-part series, following the success of Shetland’s two-part debut on BBC One last month, which attracted a combined audience of over 12 million viewers.

Based on the novels by writer Ann Cleeves, Series 2 will focus on three of the remaining stories from Ann’s Shetland Series – ‘Raven Black’, ‘Dead Water’ and ‘Blue Lightning’ – each forming two 60-minute episodes.

Elaine Collins, Executive Producer at ITV Studios commented: “I’m thrilled by the terrific response we’ve had to Shetland. The Scottish landscape is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to work again with Douglas Henshall and the team on Ann Cleeves’ wonderful Shetland stories.”

Christopher Aird, Head of Drama for BBC Scotland and Executive Producer, added: “I am so pleased we are taking Shetland to a full series. Douglas Henshall is a hugely talented lead and Shetland such a unique part of the country; we can look forward to a series of characterful, thrilling and windswept stories.”

Series 2 will begin filming in the coming months on Shetland and other Scottish locations.

Are you looking forward to the return of Shetland? Let us know below…