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Was Tosh Pregnant During Filming Shetland?

Published in Television Production 1 min read

Yes, Alison O'Donnell, the actress who portrays DS Alison "Tosh" McIntosh in the BBC crime drama Shetland, was pregnant during the filming of certain seasons of the show. Her pregnancy was skillfully concealed on-screen by the production team to ensure it did not impact her character's storyline.

How Alison O'Donnell's Pregnancy Was Concealed

To maintain continuity for the character of Tosh, the show's costume designer played a crucial role in disguising Alison O'Donnell's pregnancy. This involved a combination of clever techniques:

  • Strategic Wardrobe: Costumes were specifically chosen or designed to be more loose-fitting, flowy, or layered, effectively hiding her changing figure.
  • Creative Camera Angles: Directors used particular camera shots and framing to avoid showing her full body, often focusing on close-ups or upper body shots.
  • Clever Blocking and Prop Usage: Objects such as tables, desks, bags, or other props were often strategically placed in front of her to obscure her pregnancy from view.

Alison O'Donnell has expressed her appreciation for the costume designer's brilliant work in managing this challenge during filming. Their expertise ensured that her real-life pregnancy did not interfere with the visual narrative or plot of Shetland.