ITV Announces Return of Critically Acclaimed Crime Drama Unforgotten
ITV has officially confirmed the return of what many fans and critics describe as one of television's most powerful series, with the broadcaster announcing that filming has commenced on the seventh instalment of the multi-award-winning crime drama Unforgotten. The announcement came on Monday 26 January, bringing exciting news for the show's dedicated following.
Impressive Critical Acclaim and Viewer Statistics
The series, created by acclaimed screenwriter Chris Lang, maintains an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences consistently praising the programme as absolutely brilliant and thrilling. The show's sixth series launched to an audience of 9.2 million viewers, averaging 8.5 million across its entire run, making it the biggest returning drama of 2025 across all channels and streaming platforms.
To date, all six series have reached a cumulative audience of 28 million viewers and have been streamed an astonishing 121 million times. This remarkable performance positions Unforgotten as the third most-streamed drama in ITV X history. The programme has featured regularly in ITV's Top 10 rankings for over eleven years, with the past two series achieving the distinction of being ITV's number one drama of their respective years.
Returning Cast and New Additions
Sanjeev Bhaskar returns to his celebrated role as DI Sunny Khan, alongside Sinéad Keenan reprising her part as DCI Jess James. The duo will once again lead the investigative team as they tackle a complex and emotionally charged cold case. Director Andy Wilson, who has overseen all six previous series, also returns to helm the seventh instalment.
The new series welcomes several notable additions to its ensemble cast, including:
- Sophie Rundle, known for her role in After the Flood
- Julian Rhind-Tutt from The Reckoning
- Jo Hartley of Adolescence fame
- Paul Kaye, recognised for his work in Game of Thrones
- Paula Wilcox from Coronation Street
- Philip Martin Brown of Waterloo Road
Compelling New Storyline
The seventh series opens with the chilling discovery of human remains in the crawl space of a house in Ladbroke Grove, London. Early forensic analysis suggests the body is that of a child that has been deliberately concealed for several years. The investigation takes a deeply personal turn when a DNA match links the victim to a previously closed historic case, compelling DI Sunny Khan and DCI Jess James to revisit the original inquiry and unravel the truth behind a decades-old crime.
The investigation into the young victim's life leads the team to a new cast of characters whose present-day lives conceal dark secrets, including:
- A troubled social worker, Mary Brock, portrayed by Sophie Rundle
- A respected inmate, Lacee Cook, played by Kirsty J Curtis
- A struggling addict, Hugh Swafham, portrayed by Julian Rhind-Tutt
- A tenacious journalist, Ruby Allenford, played by Natalie Simpson
Supporting Cast and Production Team
The new series will also see Jess and Sunny's loyal police team reassemble, with Jordan Long returning as DS Murray Boulting, Carolina Main as DS Fran Lingley, and Pippa Nixon as DC Kaz Willets. Additional returning cast members include Georgia Mackenzie as Pathologist Dr Leanne Balcombe, Andrew Lancel as Jess' ex-husband Steve, and Kate Robbins as her mother Kate.
ITV's Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair Jones, expressed enthusiasm for the new series, stating: It's always beyond exciting to return to the brilliant world of 'Unforgotten' and this series promises to be no different. Once again Chris Lang has created a compelling set of characters interwoven in an intriguing and enticing story, one that will keep Jess and Sunny and the audience guessing until the very end.
Jones added: We're thrilled that once again, Andy Wilson is directing every episode and with the brilliant team at Mainstreet Pictures producing, it's going to be another fantastic series.
Unforgotten is scheduled to return to ITV and ITV X in the near future, continuing its legacy as one of British television's most compelling and critically acclaimed crime dramas.
