Shetland star opens up on nightmare filming conditions as cast almost left stranded

Shetland star Ashley Jensen has given fans a glimpse into filming the series as she discussed the demanding conditions during the shoot.

The actress, 55, makes her much-anticipated return to television screens this evening in her role of DI Ruth Calder for the ninth run of the BBC's beloved series.

She had taken on the role of the show's primary figure after succeeding DI Jimmy Pere, Jensen steps back into the fray following an almost year-long hiatus that left fans clamouring for the programme's comeback.

In a candid revelation on Wednesday's instalment of BBC The One Show, Ashley recounted how she battled against the elements, at one juncture finding her hands entirely 'stopped working' due to a biting cold during production.

Engaging with hosts Alex Jones and Vernon Kay, Ashley divulged: "This year we got the proper Shetland weather and we had snow in April and 60-mile-an-hour wind and it was very very cold."

Expanding further, she noted: "Every time we go to Shetland it's all pretty much filmed outside because that's the part we have to show as they are authentic Shetland islands so we had to have heat pads in our pockets."

Revisiting a particularly challenging incident on set, the actress shared: "At one point we had to shoot a scene where I had to get out of a car and get a phone and house keys out of my pocket and my hands literally stopped working and it was genuine frustration. It was pretty cold."

The actress opened up about the unpredictable weather conditions she encountered while filming on a remote island, revealing the logistical challenges it posed, reports .

She detailed: "You can't get home unless you have five days clear of no filming. You have to stay on the Island because the weather can literally turn at any moment."

Ashley continued: "There could be beautiful sun, then by the time you get to the airport, there is a thing called haar, which is a sea mist that comes down and planes can't take off or land so they keep you there. But I think that is quite good because it leads to everyone having a bit of camaraderie and everybody getting along."

Shetland airs from 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.