Line of DUTY

Shetland stalwart LEWIS HOWDEN on why he's thrilled fan favourite Billy is taking centre stage in the season finale

- STEVEN PERKINS

SHETLAND

LAST ONE WED, 9PM, BBC1 DRAMA

Billy McCabe has always been the beating heart of BBC1's murder mystery Shetland. Professional, reliable and ready with a reassuring word or a home-baked scone, the long-serving sergeant usually knows what to do in moments of crisis.

That has changed in the current 10th series, however, as allegations of corruption against his late mentor Robert Tulloch have driven Billy (played by Lewis Howden) to keep secrets from his colleagues including dedicated DIs Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) and Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (Alison O’Donnell).

As the six-part run concludes this week and the police close in on the killer of Robert's wife, social worker Eadie, Billy must face the ghosts of his past. But can he regain the trust of his team?

Here, in an exclusive interview, Scottish actor Lewis tells TV Times why he is relishing seeing a new side to his character...

How did you react when you discovered Billy, who viewers first met in Shetland’s debut series in 2013, would be central to the action this time?

It was great to know I was going to be doing something slightly different, and that Billy would be getting out of his comfort zone a wee bit. I’ve been hoping for this for quite a time, so it was very exciting, and gratifying as well.

Can you share any teasers about what lies ahead for Billy in the finale?