Shetland star is totally transformed for new Netflix role away from BBC series

Mark Bonnar, famed for his portrayal of Cassie's biological father Duncan Hunter in the hit series Shetland, is set to captivate audiences with a thrilling new role.

The actor, known for his role as the troubled and often inept character in the beloved Scottish crime drama, is gearing up to embody a completely different persona.

In a dramatic departure from the world of , Bonnar transforms into Stephen Burns in 's highly anticipated drama Department Q, based in Edinburgh.

This gripping detective series charts the journey of the talented yet imperfect DCI Carl Morck, who spearheads an innovative cold case division.

Early glimpses show a sharply dressed Burns exuding a sense of worry while gazing at another character, seen only from behind, reports .

In the world of Dept. Q, Stephen Burns holds the prestigious title of Lord Advocate, Scotland's chief legal officer.

Bonnar shared insights into his character, stating: "He's wily, very self-assured and doesn't suffer fools gladly. He has made some mistakes - as you find out in the course of the show - which makes him a fascinating character.

"He was great fun to play, especially as he enjoys his high status and doesn't want to give any of it away to anybody, making him a great foil for a complete maverick like Carl Morck."

The star-studded cast features Downton Abbey's Matthew Goode as the lead DCI Carl Morck, alongside other notable actors such as Chloe Pirrie of The Queen's Gambit, Alexej Manvelov from Jack Ryan, Kelly Macdonald of Line of Duty fame, and Leah Byrne, known for her work in Call the Midwife.

The official Netflix synopsis for Dept. Q reveals: "DCI Carl Morck is a brilliant cop but a terrible colleague. His razor-sharp sarcasm has made him no friends in Edinburgh Police.

"After a shooting that leaves a young PC dead, and his partner paralysed, he finds himself exiled to the basement and the sole member of Dept. Q; a newly formed cold case unit.

"The department is a PR stunt, there to distract the public from the failures of an under-resourced, failing police force that is glad to see the back of him.

"But more by accident than design, Carl starts to build a gang of waifs and strays who have everything to prove.

"So, when the stone-cold trail of a prominent civil servant who disappeared several years ago starts to heat up, Carl is back doing what he does best - rattling cages and refusing to take no for an answer."

Meanwhile, Shetland enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a potential new series in late 2025, following the airing of season 9 in November 2024.

Douglas Henshall was the face of the first seven series as DI Jimmy Perez, with Ashley Jensen taking over as DI Ruth Calder from the eighth season, joining Alison O'Donnell, who continues her role as DS Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh.

Department Q will premiere exclusively on Netflix on Thursday, May 29.