Never forget her
ITV announce fifth series with new lead character
...and Suranne Jones, right, is in the running to replace DCI Cassie Stuart in Unforgotten
CHRIS LANG WRITER OF ITV HIT POLICE DRAMA UNFORGOTTEN
UNFORGOTTEN will return for a fifth series with a new lead character after the shock death of DCI Cassie Stuart, played by Nicola Walker.
Sidekick DI Sunny Khan – Sanjeev Bhaskar – will continue with a new “partner in crime”, ITV has confirmed.
Fans feared the show was over as series four ended on Monday with Cassie dying from injuries she suffered in a car crash.
Up to 10 million tuned in to the latest series of the popular ITV police drama.
The broadcaster said: “ITV would like to thank Nicola Walker for playing the brilliant role of Cassie Stuart in four series of Unforgotten, which has become one of the best-loved and most critically acclaimed police dramas on TV.
“Nicola and writer Chris Lang decided Cassie’s story would come to an end last night but that Unforgotten would continue in series five with a new case and a new ‘partner in crime’ for DI Sunny Khan.”
Sanjeev tweeted: “Delighted ITV has recommissioned Unforgotten and more of Chris Lang’s fab writing.
“I’ll continue to watch and learn from Nicola Walker as I’ve done these past five years, glowing with pride as my friend excels in everything she does. She’s a personal and national treasure.”
Each series focuses on a different cold case, and highlights the emotional impact the investigation has on those involved.
Unforgotten, which debuted in 2015, has previously won a TV BAFTA for Tom Courtenay’s appearance in the first season. It also won a BAFTA Scotland award the next year for Mark Bonnar in series two.
Writer Chris also praised Nicola’s contribution to the show and told of his excitement about the future of DI Khan.
He said: “It has been an uncomplicated joy making four seasons of Unforgotten with Nicola Walker. Delighted to announce that Unforgotten will return, with the very brilliant Sanjeev, and a new partner in crime, next year.”
Fans were left to speculate on who could replace Nicola, whose turn as DCI Stuart has attracted widespread critical praise. Chris is currently writing the script.
Among the names mentioned were Sarah Lancashire, whose previous credits include playing world-weary copper Catherine Caywood in Happy Valley.
Doctor Foster star Suranne Jones was also mentioned as a possible contender.
But bosses may opt for someone already on the show. Pippa Nixon currently plays DC Kaz Willetts, while Carolina Main is DC Fran Lingley. DI Khan could be promoted to DCI – with either DC Willetts or DC Lingley filling his slot.
Pippa has consistently earned rave reviews for her stage work, having trodden the boards for nearly two decades, and her work at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Carolina has previously starred opposite Adrian Dunbar in Blood, and has appeared in Grantchester and Doctors.
Unforgotten returns next year with Sanjeev and a new partner in crime