Chris Lang's Unforgotten returned for series five on Monday, February 27. The highly-anticipated new season kicked off with a brand-new character, DCI Jessica James played by Sinéad Keenan.
The new role comes following Nicola Walker's exit. The actress played DCI Cassie Stewart for six years from season one to four but left after her character died in a huge twist at the end of the last series. You can read more on what happened to Cassie here.
In the first episode, ITV1 and ITVX viewers were introduced to Jess as she joined the force alongside DI Sunil 'Sunny' Khan, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar, DS Murray Boulting (Jordan Long), DC Fran Lingley (Carolina Main), pathologist Dr Leanne Balcombe (Georgia Mackenzie), and DC Kaz Willets (Pippa Nixon). You can see the cast list in full here.
Read more: How many episodes of Unforgotten are there? Details as series 5 launches on ITV
Prior to the show starting, writer and executive producer, Chris, explained that he'd made the decision to start the new series with the characters going "on exactly the same journey as the audience" following the loss of Cassie. He said: "I've been left heartbroken enough times myself when a favourite TV character has died. We take these people into our homes and into our hearts, and when they leave us, it is genuinely sad.
"And so then it struck me, that that's what I start with. Allowing our characters (Sunny and the team) to go on exactly the same journey as the audience, as they deal with the loss of a person they adored, whilst also trying to process the brutal inevitability of someone else stepping into those much-loved shoes."
And following Unforgotten's return, viewers have been sharing their thoughts on the raw and emotional first episode. Commenting, one person wrote: "Knowing that we were all still grieving for Cassie they could have gone the simple route of bringing someone similar and compassionate in to replace her. I think it was bold of them to bring someone so prickly and unlikeable instead."
While another added: "An excellent start to the series. So sensitively written. We were all struggling along with Sunny trying to adjust to the loss of Cassie. I’m sure I’m not alone in being delighted that this drama is back. Welcome to @SineadKeenan."
And a third said: "Unforgotten series 5 didn't disappoint. All the threads of the story shot out like strands of spider web, ready to weave the plot. Fabulous understated acting from everyone. I loved Nicola Walker but already I love @SineadKeenan too."
"Loving the new Unforgotten," commented a fourth. "Didn't think it would be the same without @NicolaWalkerHQ but so far so good. Sunny looks so sad."
As another said: "Unforgotten brilliantly written by @ChrisLangWriter as usual... and poor Sunny - I just wanted to give him a big hug, you can really feel his pain over the loss of Cassie. He is sublimely played by @TVSanjeev. Looking forward to seeing how everyone is involved in the murder."
What did you think of the first episode? Let us know in the comments. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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