ITV crime drama Unforgotten is back on the box for a mesmerising third series – and producers have promised it will be the best yet.
DCI Cassie Stuart (played by Nicola Walker) and DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) are called upon to investigate another cold case following the discovery of human remains during renovation work on the M1.
Their strongest lead to solve the mystery identity of the unfortunate victim – seemingly a young teenage female – lies with a telltale medical plate from their arm, inserted by a surgeon to help heal a fracture.
But a titanium patch cannot mend the hearts of the victim’s surviving family. And nor can it soothe the pain of other desperate relatives of missing girls who have to be ruled out during the methodical search for a name for the body.
Still, after one episode of the new series created and written by Chris Lang, that search proved less arduous for viewers than working out how four men from the incredible supporting cast all fit into the investigation.
And what else is preying on the mind of DCI Stuart – as tough as DCI Tennison in her prime – and keeping her from sleeping?
Here’s some more background info to get you started…
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Who’s in Unforgotten?
Nicola Walker is the critically-acclaimed star of the show, with Sanjeev Bhaskar also excellent as her dependable, compassionate colleague.
New additions to the cast include Bronagh Waugh, Alex Jennings, Kevin McNally, Neil Morrissey and James Fleet. The four men play a close-knit group of old school pals that have remained tight through the years.
Previous series have also included Sir Tom Courtenay (who won a best supporting actor BAFTA in 2016 for his series one role), Cherie Lunghi, Trevor Eve and Bernard Hill.
Lorraine Ashbourne, Badria Timimi, Mark Bonnar, Rosie Cavaliero and Adeel Akhtar joined the cast in series two.
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What is Unforgotten about?
An unexpected hit, the second series pulled in an impressive six million viewers. Additionally, critics have hailed Unforgotten as the best detective drama of the decade and a “crime drama of the highest class”.
As with all of the greatest TV crime thrillers, Unforgotten does not reveal anything easily. Crucially, details such as how characters are connected are unveiled gradually over episodes, not minutes. However, rather than it becoming frustrating viewing, this makes Unforgotten utterly compelling.
How is series three of Unforgotten different?
This series will deal more with how DCI Stuart and DCI Khan cope with their jobs, according to producers.
They said: “[The] complex and intricate scripts get better and better each year, and the new story is no exception.
“Unforgotten will delve deeper into Sunny and Cassie’s own personal lives this series, experiencing the effects that the cases have on their own relationships and wellbeing.”
Even though DCI Stuart’s team is based in London, the story will also unfold across Norfolk, West Sussex, Bristol and Hampshire.
Furthermore, the third series also explores how lives can be destroyed by one event and appearances can often deceive.
Where else have you seen the cast of Unforgotten?
Nicola Walker has had very memorable roles in Last Tango in Halifax and The Split. She is also recognisable from her TV appearances in Spooks, Luther, Scott & Bailey, River and Collateral. Other shows such as New Tricks, Dalziel and Pascoe and Jonathan Creek have also benefitted from her acting excellence.
Sanjeev Bhaskar starred in comedy sketch show Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42. Jonathan Creek, Doctor Who and The Indian Doctor are other notable shows the 54-year-old has appeared in.
Pirates of the Caribbean star Kevin McNally plays TV host James Hollis. He was a regular in the 1970s adaptation of Poldark and other TV credits include Life on Mars, Downton Abbey and Designated Survivor.
Almost unrecognisable from his foppish roles in The Vicar of Dibley and Four Weddings and a Funeral in Unforgotten, James Fleet has also performed in Coronation Street, Death in Paradise and Hotel Babylon.
Bronagh Waugh plays a bereaved sister in Unforgotten. She impressed viewers with her powerful performance in The Fall and was a regular on Hollyoaks.
Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey plays against his comic type as downtrodden salesman Pete Carr. Neil has also had significant parts in shows such as Boon, Waterloo Road, Line of Duty and as the voice of Bob the Builder.
Alex Jennings is a Oliver award winner and has excelled at treading the boards with the National Theatre and the RSC. Furthermore, Alex has also starred as Prince Charles in The Queen and Edward VIII in The Crown.
How can I watch series 1 and 2?
Catch up on what happened in the second series of Unforgotten by watching the extended teaser below.
Warning: the clip contains strong language and plot spoilers.
Besides the clip above, the entire first two series are also available to watch on demand on ITV Hub.
– Unforgotten is on ITV1, Mondays at 9pm.
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