Douglas Henshall is set to reprise his role in a third series of Shetland, which has been recommissioned by the BBC.

The Scottish star will return to play Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez for six upcoming episodes of the BBC One crime drama, which is based on Ann Cleeves' crime novels.

The new series, which is produced by ITV Studios through BBC Scotland, will start shooting in 2015.

Christopher Aird, BBC head of drama production Scotland, said: "Shetland is a really distinctive crime series that has proved hugely popular with audiences both here in Scotland and across the rest of the UK. I am thrilled it has been commissioned for a third outing and rest assured we have some really exciting plans for viewers from DI Perez and his team."

ITV spokeswoman Elaine Collins welcomed the return of Shetland for another series.

"I'm delighted that Shetland has been recommissioned and proud to have made a distinctive Scottish show that is enjoyed all over the UK," she said, adding: "It's also been a pleasure to work with outstanding actors like Douglas Henshall, Alison O'Donnell and Steven Robertson, who have made Jimmy Perez and his close-knit team a regular fixture in the homes of millions of viewers."

Douglas has said that he would be happy to reprise the role.

"I'd like to do more. I like the character, the other characters around Jimmy Perez and the other people in it, and I think there's scope to make something really interesting, so I'd be up for doing more," he said.

Shetland, which first aired in March 2013, joins other returning BBC drama series such as Call The Midwife and Death In Paradise.