We're very in step... we have something I really cherish

Shetland stars Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell discuss their on and off-screen camaraderie. By YOLANTHE FAWEHINMI

- YOLANTHE FAWEHINMI

ASHLEY Jensen and Alison O'Donnell have always been intentional about creating a "really nice" working environment on the set of BBC1's Shetland.

It's why, for them, the success of the crime drama isn't just limited to the number of viewers who tune in each week, but the positive feed back they receive from guest actors who star in the TV series - especially those in their 20s, who have never done television acting before.

Emmy nominee Ashley, 56, who portrayed Christina McKinney in Ugly Betty, and Alison, 42, who played Wendy Weiss in Holby City, also believe the quality of their off-screen relationship has contributed to the show's ongoing success.

In series 10, following the murder of an elderly woman in Lunniswick, we see DI Ruth Calder, played by Ashley, and DI Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh, played by Alison, find themselves in a remote, close-knit village.

When Calder and Tosh discover the body of retired social worker Eadie Tulloch who has been dead for several days, the pair investigate her past and present life, including the lives of those who knew her.

But as they continue to look into it, Calder and Tosh stumble across dark secrets buried at the heart of this community, which test the strength of their team and loyalty towards each other.

Having played Tosh since the show began, Alison had to adapt to a new dynamic when Extras star Ashley joined the eighth series in 2023. Here the pair discuss the challenges they faced during production, and the nature of their friendship.