MILLIONS of TV viewers will be gripped by the latest episode of the BBC's gritty crime drama Shetland on Sunday night, but its ­youngest star will miss out as she will be tucked up in bed because her parents say the show has 'adult themes.'

MILLIONS of TV viewers will be gripped by the latest episode of the BBC's gritty crime drama Shetland on Sunday night, but its ­youngest star will miss out as she will be tucked up in bed because her parents say the show has 'adult themes.'

Freya Monk, six, of Gullane, East Lothian, beat hundreds of other child actors to clinch a part in the thriller set on the islands which is based on an Anne Cleeves crime novel.

Freya plays Kitty, the daughter of a central character in the plot. The six part series also stars Brian Cox, Primeval star Douglas Henshall and Holby City actress Alison O'Donnell.

Freya's father Iain said will be shielding Loretto School pupil from the murderous plotlinesin the show. Mr Monk, who works at the Scottish Government, said: "There's nothing scary about the scenes she is in, but there are a lot of adult themes that aren't suitable for a six-year-old. It's also on too late for her when she has school the next day."

Freya was excited to travel to Shetland for the show.

She said: "I had lots of fun playing Kitty. The other actors, especially Douglas, were all very nice to me.

"It was exciting travelling on the plane to Shetland, it is a beautiful island with lots of puffins."

Freya spent several weeks shooting the programme last summer.