Unforgotten season 6 start date, cast and episodes as ITV hit makes comeback

ITV's Unforgotten is set for a return, featuring Sinéad Keenan and Sanjeev Bhaskar reprising their roles as DCI Jess James and DI Sunil 'Sunny' Khan. A first-look image released in November captured the detectives together again, hinting at the deepening of their on-screen partnership.

Sinéad Keenan continues as the lead detective in her second season, stepping into the shoes left by Nicola Walker's character Cassie Stuart after her dramatic exit in the fourth season's climax.

The new series kicks off with the discovery of suspected human remains at Whitney Marsh, prompting Jess and Sunny to rush to the scene. Subsequent analysis indicates that the remains are of recent origin and the body had been dismembered prior to being discarded.

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The investigative pair then ramp up their efforts, convinced that more remains could be nearby. Show creator Chris Lang shared his initial concerns about the show's relevance, given the time between production and airing.

He remarked: "I needn’t have worried - series six is about a divided UK. So as we approach [release], our country seems more polarised than ever on all the key issues that affect the way we live today. From immigration, to ‘woke’, to the environment, Brexit, the handling of the pandemic, the media (the list could go on) we seem furiously entrenched in our positions, and profoundly reluctant to engage with contrary views."

When does Unforgotten season 6 start?

As the plot unravels, audiences are introduced to a fresh ensemble of characters who appear to lead separate lives. However, their pasts intricately intertwine and it's up to Jess, Sunny, and their team to unearth these concealed connections and reveal the truth behind the horrific murder.

Unforgotten's sixth season kicks off on ITV on February 9, with the first episode airing at 9pm. The second instalment will follow on February 10, also at 9pm.

How many episodes are in Unforgotten season 6?

The upcoming season will consist of six hour-long episodes as per usual.

The synopsis for the first episode reveals: "When a spine is dredged out of Whitney Marsh, a new case begins for Jess and Sunny’s team at Bishop Street CID.

"Four potential suspects, Juliet, Melinda, Asif, and Marty, each have secrets to hide."

Each of the new episodes has been penned by Chris Lang and directed by Andy Wilson.

All five series of Unforgotten can currently be streamed on ITVX.

Who stars in Unforgotten season 6?

DI Sunil 'Sunny' Khan - Sanjeev Bhaskar

Sunny is back once again and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar explained how his character is finally starting to move forward after Cassie's death.

He said: "Sunny is definitely in a better place and a little more hopeful. I think he has re-found, not that he ever lost enthusiasm for the job, but he’s re-found his enthusiasm for the work environment that he’s in, so he’s definitely in a better place than he was.”

Sanjeev Bhaskar is a 61-year-old British actor and comedian best known for his work in Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars.

He is married to Meera Syal and has one child.

DCI Jessica 'Jessie' James - Sinéad Keenan

DCI Jessica 'Jessie' James is played by Sinéad Keenan. This is Jessie's second year on the job and Sinéad Keenan described it as "really lovely" to return for another series after her debut. She expressed: "It was lovely to see everyone.

"It’s such a lovely crew and the same team, so it was great to work with everyone again.

"It was a bit more of a relaxed first day for me this time around, so it was lovely. It was just a joy to come back to."

Sinéad Keenan, a 47 year old Irish actress, is recognised for her roles as Farrah Phelan in Fair City and Nina Pickering in Being Human.

In 2012, she tied the knot with film and television director Chris McGill, and they have two sons.

Juliet Cooper - Victoria Hamilton

Victoria Hamilton portrays Juliet Cooper, a character exuding power and high status, with a teenage daughter who frequently finds herself in hot water at school. The actress shared her insights on the role: "You see her seemingly juggling more than most and being very much in control. I think Juliet is one of those people who is used to feeling like the brightest person in the room."

At 53 years old, Victoria Hamilton is an English actress renowned for her roles in costume dramas, including acclaimed adaptations such as Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park. She is married to fellow actor Mark Bazeley and is a mother to two children.

Melinda Ricci - Myanna Buring

Melinda Ricci, portrayed by Myanna Buring, is a central figure in this murder investigation and serves as a political and social commentator. Melinda and her partner Patrick (played by Emmett J Scanlan) were involved in a devastating car crash that left Patrick paralysed from the waist down.

Speaking about her character, actress Myanna Buring said: "In the character of Melinda Chris is addressing these more extreme, frightening views that exist in our country and are very prevalent right now, especially with our recent riots, you're seeing this type of flare up, and it feels incredibly topical.

"And what I think Chris does is that he acknowledges that these kinds of views exist, and essentially, they come from a place of fear and so it’s okay to acknowledge them and address them, so we don't ignore them. "

The 45 year old Swedish-born British actress is known for her role as Tanya of the Denali Coven in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 and Part 2.

The mother-of-one has also starred in Ripper Street and The Witcher.

Marty Bains - Maximilian Fairley

Marty Bains, portrayed by Maximilian Fairley, is an Autistic man residing with his mother in Deal, Kent. He's grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic event that transpired during the pandemic and is striving to maintain a sense of stability. Maximilian Fairley, making his television debut with this role, shared: "A lot of people fail to grasp that Autism is a spectrum and every individual is very different.

"Autism is frequently depicted as being emotionally monotonous, lacking in social skills but the truth is that some people with Autism are actually very capable socially and may have challenges from feeling emotions to a stronger degree than neurotypical individuals do. I hope that in my own work I can help audiences understand just how broad the spectrum is."

Fairley is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

Asif Syed - Elham Ehsas

Asif Syed, played by Elham Ehsas, hails from Afghanistan but has established a life in Britain that he takes great pride in. He believes he has attained a level of freedom unattainable back home.

Elham Ehsas, who shares a similar background with his character, said: "To an extent I could relate because I too am an immigrant, I'm a refugee from Afghanistan just like Asif, I left when I was 10. So that I could relate to, but it was a role I hadn't done before, which is what excited me but also scared me because I wanted to do justice to this character."

Ehsas is recognised for his performances in The Kite Runner, Young Wallander and War Machine.

Andrew Lancel will be reprising his role as Jess’s husband Steve, and Kate Robbins will return as her mother, Kate. The police team of Jess and Sunny includes Jordan Long as DS Murray Boulting, Carolina Main as DC Fran Lingley, and Pippa Nixon as DC Kaz Willets.

Georgia Mackenzie is also set to return as Pathologist Dr Leanne Balcombe.

Unforgotten will air on ITV on February 9 at 9pm.