Ashley Jensen has joined the cast of popular BBC One series Shetland, and it might just be a career highlight for the Scottish actress.
Although Douglas Henshall’s DI Jimmy Perez is a tough act to follow, if anyone can do it, Ashley can. The actor left the series in 2022 for pastures new, and his replacement DI Ruth Calder makes her debut in series 8.
Having watched the episode ahead, we can reassure you that she’s the perfect person to join the cast. Meanwhile, the Agatha Raisin actress seems to be very happy in her personal life, too.
After the tragic death of her husband Terence Beesley, Ashley has reportedly found love with Vera actor Kenny Doughty. Read on to find out more.
Who plays DI Ruth Calder in Shetland?
Actress Ashley Jensen joins the cast of Shetland series 8 as hardened Met police officer DI Ruth Calder. She arrives on the island in a bid to track down a vulnerable witness.
Viewers soon learn that icy Ruth was born on the island, but hasn’t been back since she was 18. She teams up with Tosh for the investigation, but the pair soon butt heads.
Extras actress Ashley Jensen has said about her new role: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Shetland as DI Ruth Calder. It’s such a hugely successful show and I am aware I have very big boots to fill since the departure of DI Perez, who was very much loved by fans of the show.
“There will be a different dynamic with Ruth amongst the regular characters and a few more new interesting characters to enjoy. However, the integrity of the show and the world that has been created will remain very much in the same tone as the last seven seasons.
“It’s a real privilege to be asked to lead this show into a new chapter. I can’t wait to be working in Scotland again. I have missed it!”
What is Shetland star Ashley Jensen famous for?
Ashley Jensen is perhaps best known for her collaborations with comedian Ricky Gervais. She appeared briefly in The Office, and went on to portray Maggie Jacobs in Extras, and nurse Emma in After Life.
Her career as a jobbing actress began in 1990, and she’s appeared in countless TV dramas, including May to December, Roughnecks, and Bad Boys. She played PC Sue Chappell in City Central from 1998 to 2000. That same year, she popped up as Fiona Morris in EastEnders!
Other notable roles include her portrayal of Babs in Clocking Off, Faye Brooks in Sweet Medicine, and Sarah Paradise in Love & Paradise.
After finding success in the UK, Ashley won the coveted role of Christina McKinney in US hit comedy Ugly Betty, opposite Barbie actress America Ferrera. She starred in the show from 2006 to 2010. She subsequently appeared in Catastophe, Trust Me, and the recent heartbreaking book adaptation Mayflies.
Cosy drama fans will know her as the titular heroine in Agatha Raisin, a role she played from 2014 to 2022. But we’re not sure what her Shetland character Ruth Calder would make of Ashley’s other alter ego!
How old is Ashley Jensen?
Ashley Jensen was born on August 11 1969.
That makes her currently 54 years of age.
Where is Ashley Jensen from? Is she Scottish?
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