MANY suspected Shetland’s return would be full of twists and tonight’s instalment only confirmed it.
After an explosive opener last week, which set the scene of a young man who had vanished, viewers continued to be gripped by series 7 of the BBC drama filmed on the Scottish islands.
At the end of episode 2 Connor Cairns was still missing and his disappearance had been linked to his father, a former copper who was sent down for the murder of a police informant.
While investigating Connor’s whereabouts, Shetland‘s DI Jimmy Perez stumbles across another ex copper, Jill Stevens, who had been Danny’s partner in the force.
It wasn’t long after seeing the character on screen that viewers quickly identified the familiar face and reacted on Twitter.
A triumphant fan said: “Jill was the Governor in #Badgirls #Shetland You’re welcome.”
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Simone appeared in the first three series of Bad Girls as G-Wing governor Helen, who had a fierce rivalry with baddie Jim Fenner, fell in love with prisoner Nikki and ended up resigning before Jim could have her sacked.
While Bad Girls remains the Scottish actress’ biggest role to date, she went on to star in Irish series Single-Handed, Monarch of the Glen, Downton Abbey, Wire in the Blood and the movie Philomena among others.
The actress teased her role in Shetland during filming on the island last year.
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She penned back in November: “Loved my short stint on #Shetland 7! Out this time next year. Lovely to work with the gorgeous #DouglasHenshall, #AndrewWhipp, director #fionawalton producers #davidkane #katebartlett & the legendary @irene.napier m/up 
”
Other recognisable faces in this series include actors from the worlds of Holby, Casualty and EastEnders.
Connor’s dad Danny Cairns is played by former Emmerdale actor Andrew Whipp, who’s also popped up in Outlander, Netflix’s fantasy series Cursed, Death in Paradise and more.
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The mysterious American artist on Shetland, Lloyd Anderson, is played by Patrick Robinson, a familiar face on UK television with long-running roles as DC Jacob Banks on The Bill, and Ash in Casualty.
Last week fans would have spotted EastEnders and Waterloo Road star Laurie Brett, who’s best recognised for the long-running role of Jane Beale in Albert Square.
