Shetland fans threaten to boycott show after BBC confirm Douglas Henshall’s replacement

SHETLAND fans have threatened to boycott the show as the BBC confirmed Douglas Henshall's replacement.

The 57-year-old actor previously announced his departure from the show.

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Viewers watched as his character Jimmy Perez solved his final ever case at the end of series seven.

Now the BBC has confirmed who exactly is replacing the star.

Ugly Betty actress Ashley Jenson will take up the lead role when the show returns as she plays DI Ruth Calder.

She will work closely with DS Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (Alison O’Donnell) and will make her debut when the series returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer next year.

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Ashley also previously starred in Mayflies, After Life and Extras.

She was nominated for an Emmy for her role on the television series Extras, in which she appeared from 2005 to 2007.

However the casting announcement has left fans reeling as they claim Shetland will 'never be the same' again.

"Definitely won't be watching it no Perez no Shetland no one can fill such a strong lead characters boots," said one viewer.

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Another said: "No one can replace this man. This is a sad day for shetland fans as far as I'm concerned. This isn't close to an ok stand in."

"Will not watch the show anymore," said a third viewer.

While a fourth posted: "Really? After all the speculating that’s really disappointing. Don’t think I’ll be watching."

Recently on This Morning, Douglas Henshall said he decided to quit the programme as his character's "storylines had reached a natural conclusion and it felt time to tie it up."

"I kind of think I love what we all did together and I am very happy with that and I mean it's going to be a different show now. 

"I wish them all the best and I hope it's very successful but I don't know if I'll be able to watch it."

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