Shetland star Douglas Henshall's exit as Jimmy Perez explained

Lorraine tells Alison O'Donnell that Shetland can't end

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Shetland.

As Shetland season nine repares to hit screens, we delve into the reasons behind Douglas Henshall's adieu to the beloved detective drama.

It's been a poignant two years since DI Jimmy Perez, portrayed by the talented Douglas Henshall since the very beginning in 2013.

After believing in artist Lloyd Anderson's innocence regarding a decades-old murder, Perez made the heartfelt decision to release him, subsequently hanging up his detective hat.

Ultimately, it was a happy ending for him though as he could start afresh elsewhere with love interest Meg (Lucianne McEvoy).

The departure was undoubtedly sad for viewers, but it paved the way for DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) to leave her own imprint on the show.

Why Shetland star Douglas Henshall really left BBC drama as Jimmy Perez after seven-year stint (Image: BBC)

Actor Douglas Henshall portrayed Major Horton in BBC drama Agatha Christie's Murder Is Easy. (Image: BBC) Why did Douglas Henshall leave Shetland? 

Upon announcing his departure, Henshall expressed deep affection for the series and those who brought it to life, whether they were in front or behind the camera lens.

"It's been one of the privileges of my career to play Jimmy Perez for almost 10 years and to work with so many wonderful people both in front of and behind the camera, and also to spend so much time in Shetland.

"The isles were so much a part of our show and of Perez himself. I'll miss him and the place."

But Henshall felt that Jimmy Perez's journey had come to a natural close, prompting him to hang up his detective badge and seek new creative horizons.

Shetland season seven ended with Jimmy Perez leaving the town with new love interest Meg by his side. (Image: BBC) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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He told the BBC: "It was time to find a resolution to Perez's private life.

"I never wanted to ruin the things that were unique to him and our series so it felt like the right time to wrap up his story in a way that would be satisfactory to everybody.

"I am aware we're not changing the world in any way, shape or form but as far as crime shows go, Shetland does really well in that genre.

"We tell stories that are very good, the characters are great and I wanted to go out on a high."

Since then, the 58-year-old Scottish luminary has been immersed in various new ventures. His recent projects span across platforms, including Netflix's Who Is Erin Carter?, BBC's Murder Is Easy, and CBS' The Darkness.

Looking ahead, Henshall's IMDb page indicates his next appearance will be in the eagerly anticipated mystery series One Of Us, currently in post-production.

The upcoming drama, featuring Heartstopper's Kit Connor and The Durrells' Callum Woodhouse, promises intrigue with its synopsis: "Members of a family begin dying one by one at a funeral, while Youngest searches for the stranger in their midst."

Shetland season nine premieres on Wednesday, November 6, at 9pm on BBC One.

Shetland star Douglas Henshall's exit as Jimmy Perez explained

Shetland star Douglas Henshall's exit as Jimmy Perez explained

Shetland star Douglas Henshall's exit as Jimmy Perez explained

Shetland star Douglas Henshall's exit as Jimmy Perez explained

Shetland star Douglas Henshall's exit as Jimmy Perez explained