This Morning: Ashley Jensen on the success of Shetland
Shetland's Lewis Howden, known for playing the steadfast police sergeant Billy McCabe in the BBC drama, has been an integral part of the series since its inception back in 2013.
But aside from his standout role in the drama, details about his famous family might intrigue fans.
As season nine takes off, viewers observe DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) adapting to her role, yet many central characters have remained consistent since the show began.
Among them is actor Lewis Howden who has graced our screens in previous hits such as Taggart and Hope Springs.
Despite Howden's preference for privacy regarding his personal life, there's noteworthy information concerning his relatives.
Kathryn Howden
His sister, Kathryn Howden, is celebrated for her portrayal of Maggie McLean on the BBC Scottish soap opera River City.
Joining the cast in 2017, Kathryn has embodied the character through complex plotlines involving alcoholism, assault, and cancer battles.
Her other notable roles include appearances in Taggart, Pramface, Silent Witness, Outlander, Six Four, and Murder Is Easy.
In a chat with Edinburgh News, she expressed her lifelong passion for acting: "This is all I have ever wanted to do. I never thought I would do anything else.
"My mum said I wanted to be an actress from when I was three-years-old, but I was really shy when I was wee.
Reflecting on her creative impulses, she shared, "Mum said, 'You used to come up with wee plays for yourself but you wouldn't do them in front of anybody.'"
Alex 'Happy' Howden
The spotlight doesn't end there as the family boasts also Alex 'Happy' Howden.
Lewis and Kathryn were immersed in the entertainment industry from a young age, being the children of the comedian and actor.
Alex left school at the tender age of 15 and embarked on a diverse range of jobs including whaling, scaffolding, and bus driving while pursuing his passion for stand-up comedy.
His perseverance paid off as he later transitioned into acting, securing roles in a variety of films such as Rab C Nesbitt, Monarch Of The Glen, The Acid House, Strictly Sinatra, and A Shot At Glory.
Among his notable appearances was a part as a hangman in Martin Scorsese's acclaimed 2002 film Gangs Of New York, where he shared the screen with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis.
After his passing in 2015 at the age of 76, the entertainment world mourned his loss, with heartfelt tributes pouring in, including one from Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh.
Welsh expressed his condolences, stating: "Very sad to hear about the death of Alex 'Happy' Howden.
"One of the nicest and funniest people it's been my privilege to know."
Shetland season nine continues every Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
