Unforgotten star reveals contents of infamous backpack as hit ITV drama returns
Unforgotten star Sanjeev Bhaskar has opened up on what he carries around in his famous backpack, as the popular ITV show makes an epic return to screens.
The 61-year-old has become a favourite amongst viewers playing the role of DI Sunil Khan since the crime investigative drama first launched in 2015.
But fans have been left intrigued by the character's props used on set and what DI Sunil often carries in his black bag.
While appearing on BBC's The One Show on Friday (January 31), actor Sanjeev provided further insight into the contents of his bag, following speculation and some backlash from viewers who claimed it looked childish.
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Talking to presenters Ross Kemp and Clara Amfo, he said: "There was a lot of weird criticism that I got after the first series about why my character had a backpack- I just chose a bag that was practical.
"They kind of said 'he looks like a child, he doesn't wear it properly'.
"And so from the second series onwards, I asked the costume department to fill it with stuff, but don't tell me what's in it and I won't look until the end of the day."
The star went on to share that his bag is often filled with miscellaneous items, and it previously included a picture of his co-star Sinéad Keenan, who plays DCI Jessica James and even a blow up guitar.
After a two-year hiatus, Unforgotten will be returning to ITV for series six. Season five left fans heartbroken after the loss of a lead character, DCI Cassie Stuart, portrayed by Nicola Walker, who was killed off at the end of season four.
The first episode of the last series saw the team investigating the discovery of a severed leg inside a chimney, setting the stage for a murder mystery.
It also featured a tense moment between DCI Jessica and Sunny, who is still mourning the tragic death of his colleague.
Fans took to Twitter to express their emotions, with one writing: "Omg, that was truly heartbreaking, Cassie we miss you."
The announcement of a sixth season of the beloved cold case drama comes alongside ITV’s reveal of a new police series, Protection which will be a six part series.
The One Show airs Mondays-Fridays at 7pm on BBC One.