Alison O’Donnell has described her departure from BBC crime drama Shetland as “overwhelming”, adding that it will take her "years to fully process it".
The Scottish actress, who has played Tosh McIntosh since the show began in 2013, will leave the series during its upcoming 11th season.
Best known to viewers as the steady and compassionate detective who rose through the ranks to become a detective inspector, O’Donnell said the reality of leaving the show still hasn’t fully sunk in.
Alison O’Donnell opens up on exit from BBC's Shetland after 13 years
Ms O’Donnell told Digital Spy: "When something is as seismic as this was, you just can't really take it in as you're doing it.
"It's like trying to look directly at the sun.
"It's too big and powerful.
"So, I just got my costume on and went to set and tried to soak it all in and spend time with my favourite people and serve the scenes."
On her final day of filming, many crew members dressed as her character, Tosh, donning fair isle jumpers and styling their hair in a bun as a tribute.
Ms O’Donnell said: "It was so fun and thoughtful.
"Our producer Angus [Sharpe] made a speech after we wrapped my final scene, but sadly I can't really remember what he said because I was crying; it just came over me.
"It just felt so overwhelming.
"I think it's going to take me years to fully process it."
She paid special tribute to original cast members Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, and Anne Kidd, describing them as a "family" who will remain close despite her departure.
Ms O’Donnell said: "We're family and that's not going to change.
"My last day of filming on the Isles was beautiful and sunny and we were in a stunning location overlooking the sea.
"I was filming with Lewis [Billy] and Angus, who plays Donnie, and I took the opportunity to tell them that this would be my last day filming up there.
"It was really special, as I have such a close bond with both of them, and we were able to have the sort of intense conversations that you don't usually have in life, those conversations that can only really be managed in a moment like that.
"I'll cherish that day forever."
She also reflected on what she will miss most about Shetland, both the place and the character she has inhabited for more than a decade.
Ms O’Donnell said: "How the air feels different and nature and the landscape come to meet you in the most humbling and awe-inspiring way.
"I'll also miss bringing my family and doing all our favourite trips – Sands of Sound beach and poking around in all the little gift shops.
"And I'll miss Tosh.
"She has been a constant companion for over a decade.
"I loved her tenacity and her humour; the way she had no airs and was full of empathy.
"She gave me so much."
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When is Shetland back on TV?
Shetland season 11 begins on November 12 at 9pm on BBC One.
The new six-part mystery starts when a car is pulled from the sea containing skeletal remains, leading the team to investigate a local GP who disappeared nine years earlier.
Will you be watching the new series of Shetland? Let us know in the comments.
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