BBC Vigil confirms Shetland stars joining Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie in new series

The BBC has revealed the additional cast members joining Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie for the comeback of acclaimed drama Vigil, and amongst the recognisable faces is a beloved Shetland star.

Shetland performers Steven Miller, Killian Coyle and Dawn Sievewright have secured fresh roles on Vigil, with filming for the third series currently taking place in Svalbard and Scotland.

As previously confirmed, Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie are back as DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre.

The six-episode series will witness the pair tackling a fresh investigation at an isolated Arctic research facility, where a member of a clandestine British special forces operation has been fatally shot, reports Daily Record.

The plot summary continues: "Amy and Kirsten will need to catch the killer and diffuse a potential international confrontation, driven by a land-grab for energy and resources in the changing polar climate, with both their careers and relationship on the line."

In the first-look image, viewers can observe Jones and Leslie on set, bundled up and prepared for action. The snowy setting certainly provides an appropriate backdrop for delivering a chilling new tale.

Gary Lewis makes his return to reprise his character as Detective Superintendent Robertson, who has featured throughout every series of Vigil thus far.

Dominic Mafham also comes back as Sir Ian Downing whilst Orla Russell returns as Poppy, Amy and Kirsten's daughter.

The fresh cast for the third series additionally features Jeppe Beck Laursen, Tornike Gogrichiani, Benjamin Wainwright, Artur Zai Barrera, Jordan Duvigneau and Kaisa Hammarlund. As well as Adam Fidusiewicz, Naomi Yang, Eric Godon, Conor Berry, Amy Manson, Jason Tobin, Steven Cree, Derek Riddell, Alma Prelec and Shereen Cutkelvin.

Particulars surrounding their respective characters are being kept strictly confidential, though it's expected they'll become entangled in the fresh mystery with potential suspicion falling upon them.

Following the announcement that filming had commenced alongside the new ensemble, writer Tom Edge remarked: "I'm grateful to the BBC and World Productions for backing the ambition of a story that takes Vigil to the Arctic.

"This series grapples with the issues that will define tomorrow's world: melting ice caps, conflict over resources, energy wars, and lives put at risk in pursuit of peace and profits."

Jake Lushington, executive producer for World Productions, commented: "We are thrilled to be kicking off filming series three of Vigil with Suranne and Rose in the epic arctic landscapes of Svalbard and welcome our most multinational cast to date, as well as featuring new and established Scottish talent."

Vigil seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.