Anger as Scottish drama Shetland '˜bumped' for FA Cup replay

Viewers of Scottish-set murder mystery drama Shetland were left angry on Tuesday, after this week's episode was delayed due to the showing of an FA Cup match.

Shetland, which stars Douglas Henshall, is in its fourth series and has increased in popularity after each set of episodes as it blends stunning backdrops with Nordic noir undertones.

Shetland returns for a fourth series

But fans hoping to catch up on the exploits of DI Jimmy Perez and co were left disappointed as the BBC gave precedent to the broadcast of an FA cup replay.

Star Henshall hit out at the decision, referring to the BBC as the ‘Bonkers Bats*** Channel’ as he told viewers that the episode will instead air tonight.

Shetland and long-running medical drama Holby City both fell victim to the fifth round replay between Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday, which ran until 10pm.

Cameron McNeish tweeted: “Missing the terrific #Shetland with this evening because of a bloody football match between Swansea and Sheffield United (sic). Come on #BBC, this is typical of the way you are treating Scottish viewers and it’s not good enough.”

Another user added: “Ahh right #Shetland isn’t on the tellybox in Scotland tonight because an English team from Sheffield are playing a Welsh team from Swansea in a half empty stadium. Scintillating stuff 0-0 No murders yet, well apart from the death of the BBC in Scotland...”