Shetland viewers convinced they’ve rumbled Jimmy Perez’s replacement – and he’s a VERY familiar face

SHETLAND viewers are convinced they’ve rumbled Jimmy Perez’s replacement – and he’s a VERY familiar face.

The BBC drama returned for its seventh series earlier this month, with actor Douglas Hensall stepping out as DI Perez for the last time.

Fans are gutted that Douglas has decided to leave the role, but it hasn’t stopped them speculating about who will replace him, as the show is set to continue after his departure.

Taking to social media, one Shetland fan predicted Line of Duty actor Martin Compston could be a good fit.

While Martin, 38, has an English accent when playing Steve Abbott in the hit BBC drama, he is actually Scottish.

The fan wrote on Twitter: “I reckon @martin_compston would be good as the new lead in #Shetland do u agree @djhenshall #Shetland.”

THRILLING RETURN

Shetland fans spot Bad Girls star in the latest episode - did you see her?

'EMOTIONAL WATCH'

Shetland viewers all have the same complaint after series 7 premiere

Another added: “Someone suggested to me that @martin_compston should take over from you next season of Shetland…and now I can’t stop thinking about it.

“How does Jimmy’s story end? Heroic death? Happy ever after with Meg?”

Speaking about his decision to leave Shetland, Douglas said: “After series 5 of Shetland David Kane and I decided we wanted to do 2 more series to complete the story of Jimmy Perez.

“So series 6 and 7 were commissioned together to give us time to wrap up Perez story to a satisfactory end. 

“It’s been one of the privileges of my career to play Jimmy Perez for almost ten 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.

“I wish everyone involved much luck with whatever happens next.”

Shetland continues tonight at 9pm on BBC One.