Douglas Henshall to return in second 6-part series of ‘‘Shetland’ ‘

Following the success of its two-part debut, the BBC has commissioned a second series of 3, two-part episodes of murder-mystery drama Shetland, with Douglas Henshall reprising his role as Detective Jimmy Perez.

Based on the novel by acclaimed writer Ann Cleeves, the first series attracted an audience of 12 million over the two nights; the next series will focus on the three of the remaining stories from Ann’s Shetland series – Raven Black, Dead Water and Blue Lightning – in collaboration with BBC Scotland and produced by ITV Studios.

Raven Black will be written by Gaby Chiappe (The Paradise, Vera), Dead Water by David Kane (Rebus, Field Of Blood, This Year’s Love) and Blue Lightning by Richard Davidson (Silent Witness, EastEnders).

Elaine Collins, Executive Producer at ITV Studios says: “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, adds: “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.”

‘Shetland‘ series 2 will begin in the coming months on Shetland and other Scottish locations and will air in 2014.