It’s a sad goodbye to a popular TV detective and Gardeners’ World legend

The smash hit drama – now back for its 11th season – regularly pulls in up to seven million viewers, making it one of aunty’s biggest shows.

But now Alison O’Donnell, who has played DI Alison “Tosh” McIntosh since the drama started, has announced she is moving on.

She said: “It’s not down to one particular thing, but rather a coming together of various components. I’ve been involved with it for 14 years now and I’ve been so lucky to have been given so many different storylines and challenges and to have worked with so many extraordinary actors but at this point it feels like we’ve probably explored it enough. I don’t think I would ever have found a moment to step away that didn’t feel sad and bittersweet, but something in me said ‘leap’ – and so I did.”

Alison continued: “When something is as seismic as this was, you just can’t really take it in as you’re doing it. It’s like trying to look directly at the sun. It’s too big and powerful. So, I just got my costume on and went to the set and tried to soak it all in and spend time with my favourite people and serve the scenes. On my final day, a lot of the crew came dressed as Tosh. They were all wearing fair isle jumpers and had their hair up in a bun. It was so fun and thoughtful. Our producer Angus [Sharpe] made a speech after we wrapped my final scene but sadly I can’t really remember what he said because I was crying, it just came over me. It just felt so overwhelming. I think it’s going to take me years to fully process it.”

She added: “My last day of filming on the Isles was beautiful and sunny and we were in a stunning location overlooking the sea. I was filming with Lewis [Billy] and Angus, who plays Donnie, and I took the opportunity to tell them that this would be my last day filming up there. It was really special, as I have such a close bond with both of them, and we were able to have the sort of intense conversations that you don’t usually have in life, those conversations that can only really be managed in a moment like that. I’ll cherish that day forever. And Steven [Sandy] and I had many goodbyes! He’s been an absolute rock for me in recent times, an emotional guru! And I hope I’ve been there for him. I hope we can all have a reunion up in the Isles some day!”

Ashley Jensen, who plays Tosh’s sidekick DI Ruth Calder, described Alison’s leaving as “huge”.

She said: “Tosh is such a stalwart of that incident room, and she leaves an enormous hole. For Calder, it almost confirms her belief that she’s better off not getting too close to people, because ultimately they leave. She and Tosh have reached a lovely place in their relationship. They’re comfortable with each other, they have a laugh, they wind each other up, but they really get each other. They complement each other at work, so Tosh leaving changes everything. How will Ruth react? Well, she can be quite emotionally dismissive, which sometimes comes across as brutal. Only time will tell!”

And “Tosh” is not the only popular person viewers are saying goodbye to – Monty Don has finally said farewell to GARDENERS’ WORLD (iPlayer) after more than two decades.

With his beloved Golden Retriever Ned by his side, Monty thanked viewers for joining him on his gardening journey as he reflected on the gardens, people and dogs that shaped his time on the series before bidding a final farewell.

Monty said: “From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye. I first began presenting ‘Gardeners’ World’ 23 years ago at Berryfields and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago and, in that time, things have changed. The garden has grown, Nigel has been and gone and Nellie and Pattie. But there has been one constant factor and that has been the incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here as well as working with so many superb people.

So, thank you. Thank you for coming on that journey with me and good luck with your own gardens in the future. So, for the last time. Goodbye.”

However Monty fans should not despair too much – the likeable 71-year-old will still be taking part in two “winter specials” – including a “farewell show” – during the runup to Christmas, as well as remaining part of the team for next year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

On a sadder note, we also said goodbye this week to Tommy Walsh, the builder turned presenter on the popular “Ground Force” – which, at its peak, pulled in a staggering 12 million viewers – and “Homes Under the Hammer”, who has died, aged 69. 

Well that’s it for now – catch you next time for some more TV chatter and – always remember to stay safe!