ITV Unforgotten creator gives series 5 update as Nicola Walker replacement makes debut

ITV's hit drama Unforgotten is due back on our screens this winter and the fifth series will be the first since Nicola Walker aka DCI Cassie Stuart left the show in series four. The TV detective died after a car crash leaving Sunny (Sanjeev Bhaskar) and his dependable backpack expecting a new partner.

Back in March 2022, Sunny's new partner was announced as DCI Jessica James played by Little Boy Blue actress Sinead Keenan and the pair will take on a brand new cold case crime. The show's creator, Chris Lang, has written on Twitter this week that he's almost at the stage where he can announce the date the thriller/mystery cop show will return.

Read more: The Wales-raised EastEnders star who was a prime suspect in the hit ITV crime drama Unforgotten

This is what we know about the show already and as Chris teases there'll be more information soon. Unforgotton's brand new murder mystery unfolds later this year and viewers will explore the lives of several central characters, Jay, played by Rhys Yates (The Outlaws, Silent Witness), Martina Laird (Summerland, The Bay) is Bele, Tony played by Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls), and Max Rinehart (Jekyll and Hyde, Miss You Already) as Karol, who on the face of it appear seemingly unconnected to the victim. Hayley Mills will also play Tony’s wife, Emma.

The new series opens with the clock ticking down to DCI James’ first day in her new job with an unforeseen and devastating introduction to her family life. Determined to make a good first impression with her new colleagues, will Jess be in the right frame of mind to deliver and inspire the team? For the latest news on the series and from the world of TV and Showbiz, then sign up to WalesOnline's newest newsletter here.

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