A brand new drama is coming to the BBC this month, and it’s set to be one of the most emotionally gripping drama of the year.
From the critically acclaimed screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, Unforgivable is a raw and powerful story that dives deep into the heartache, guilt, and lasting impact of abuse within a family. It's set in Liverpool and follows Joe, a young man trying to rebuild his life after prison, and his sister Anna, who is left to pick up the pieces for her traumatised family.
Line of Duty’s Anna Maxwell Martin and Marcella’s Anna Friel star in the show, in what some are calling their most powerful roles to date.
So, when does it start? Who else is in the cast? And what can viewers expect?
Read on for everything you need to know.
Unforgivable release date
Unforgivable premieres on BBC Two on Thursday 24th July at 9pm.
The episode will also be available to stream live or at a later date on BBC iPlayer.
How many episodes of Unforgivable are there?
Unforgivable is a standalone drama, so there is only one episode.
The episode is 105 minutes long.
What is Unforgivable about?
Set and filmed in Liverpool, this fictional drama follows the Mitchell family as they struggle to cope with the devastating aftermath of abuse committed by one of their own.
The official synopsis reads: "Having served his prison sentence, Joe (Bobby Schofield) arrives at St Maura's, an institution which offers him a home and rehabilitation after his release. With the support of Katherine (Anna Maxwell Martin), an ex-nun, Joe undertakes therapy sessionsin the hope of understanding what led him to commit the abuse.
"Simultaneously, his sister, Anna (Anna Friel), is dealing with the enormous impact that Joe's crime has had on her family - her sons, Tom (Austin Haynes) and Peter (Fin McParland), and her father, Brian (David Threlfall). The drama examines the extensive ripple effect of abuse from multiple perspectives and how those involved can try to move forwards in the midst of the devastation."
Speaking of the inspiration behind the drama, McGovern revealed: "I received a letter from a woman who works with sex offenders and wanted to speak to me. She spoke no holds barred about her job and working with sex abusers. She told me certain facts and figures that are quite unbelievable, so I want people to watch the film and learn things about child abuse. I felt compelled to write about it."
Unforgivable cast
The cast list for Unforgivable is stacked, with Line of Duty, Marcella, Nightsleeper and Adolescence actors making an appearance.
Below is the full cast list:
- Anna Friel as Anna
- Anna Maxwell Martin as Katherine
- Bobby Schofield as Joe
- Austin Haynes as Tom
- Fin McParland as Peter
- David Threlfall as Brian
- Mark Womack
- Phina Oruche
- Paddy Rowan
Unforgivable trailer
The BBC dropped the trailer for Unforgivable on Friday 11th July, and if the plot alone didn't move you, this one is sure to hit you right in the gut - offering a haunting glimpse into this powerful new drama.
You can watch the full clip below:
Unforgivable starts on BBC Two on Thursday 24th July at 9pm.
