Douglas Henshall: Best known for his role as Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez in the BBC crime drama ‘Shetland’ for almost a decade, the actor has captivated viewers. Last year, he took the decisive step of quitting the show, sparking wide speculation around fans and media. Henshall later explained that he left the show because he wanted to end Perez’s story on a high note and pursue other acting opportunities.
Ten Years as DI Jimmy Perez
Having first joined ‘Shetland’ back in 2013 as DI Jimmy Perez. A quirky but dedicated detective solving complex cases in the idyllic Shetland Islands. Henshall’s run on the show has been exquisite. With critical acclaim and a devoted following the show has achieved must-watch status in British crime TV. Most of which is dominated by Douglas Henshall’s compelling performance, at least until he ascends via critical acclaim to become a full-time movie actor.
The Decision to Depart
In July 2022, Henshall revealed his intention to leave the show. “I decided to leave a few years ago because I felt like Perez’s story was coming to a natural end,” he said. He repeated the wish in several interviews, stressing that he wanted the character’s journey to end up open-ended. This decision marked the end of an era for Douglas Henshall’s fans.
Filming the Final Scenes
As the filming of his last scenes came to a close. The end of Henshall’s time on the show reached a “little anticlimactic” conclusion. The final scenes were filmed in a car park on the Scottish mainland due to COVID-19 restrictions. A setting that lacked the dramatic charm expected for such an important moment. It was a challenging end for Douglas Henshall on ‘Shetland’.
Co-Star Reactions
Henshall’s departure hit his co-stars particularly hard — Alison O’Donnell, who plays DS Alison “Tosh” McIntosh. She said she felt “bereft” when she learned of his decision. Noting the close relationships built over years of working together, it was a significant change brought about by Douglas Henshall’s exit.
The Transition and Continued Practicality of ‘Shetland’
After Henshall’s departure, the show introduced Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder, heralding a new chapter in ‘Shetland.’ This shift was intended to keep the show moving while delivering new narratives and character interactions. Jensen’s performance has been a welcome addition to the show, which is sure to bring more success. The transition ensures that Douglas Henshall’s legacy as Jimmy Perez is preserved while the show evolves.
What Else Henshall Has Done Since ‘Shetland’
Since departing ‘Shetland,’ Henshall has done widespread acting. Including appearances in new shows, including ‘Who Is Erin Carter?’ on Netflix and “Murder is Easy” on the BBC. These diverse endeavors represent the versatility of Douglas Henshall and his commitment to expanding his creative range beyond DI Jimmy Perez.
