Unforgotten's Sanjeev Bhaskar unveils blood-curdling moment in ITV show's latest series
Unforgotten's sixth season sends shockwaves through East London as a dismembered spine is discovered in Whitney Marsh - Sunny and Jess, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sinéad Keenan, return to tackle another cold case.
The ITV drama picks up six months after their crucial heart-to-heart in season five, with the gruesome discovery of a spine in Whitney Marsh. Pathologist Dr Leanne Balcombe, portrayed by Georgia MacKenzie, uncovers a chilling detail - the spine was dismembered before being discarded in the marsh.
Discussing their latest investigation on Unforgotten, Sanjeev Bhaskar reveals that Sunny and Jess now have a level of trust they didn't previously share. However, Sinéad Keenan suggests that Jess is still hesitant to revisit their deep conversation.
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As the search for more body parts continues, Jess and Sunny stumble upon a severed leg with a lacerated femoral artery, which Leanne identifies as the probable cause of death.
Sanjeev reveals that some scenes are just as intense on and off-screen. Actor Max Fairley, who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, makes a sterling acting debut as Marty Baines, a man living with his mother in Kent. But during filming, the tension of a police interview led to an insightful moment for Sanjeev off-camera.
He shared, "The pressure he was under manifested through him tying a thread from his coat". This act of self-stimulation, known as a "stim" highlights the repetitive behaviours autistic individuals adopt to calm themselves or manage sensory input.
They can involve various actions ranging from movements to sounds and even interactions with objects. Knowing the balance needed, Sanjeev observed, "Interview scenes bring in their own emotional intensity, you don’t want to push if it’s giving them pain."
Season 5 saw Sunny grappling with adversity, from dealing with the pain of Cassie’s passing to the downturn of his relationship with Sal (portrayed by Michelle Bonnard). However, the latest season promises a return to form for the Elvis-loving inspector.
Sanjeev says: "He's in a slightly more positive place than he was." Embracing life again, Sunny seeks connection with his daughters and even treats himself to a solitary dinner outing.
Romance could also be on the cards for Sunny, as Sanjeev teases: "Who knows? They were the last two people to see Cassie. There is a connection".
Jess, meanwhile, is grappling with the fallout of her decision to repair her marriage with Steve (Andrew Lancel). The previous season saw the new DCI in a tough spot when he confessed to having an affair.
Despite his infidelity, Jess decided to stick it out, although fans questioned whether she'd made the right call. "That’s a question I also ask myself," Sinéad admits.
This season, Steve tries to win her over with a cosy dinner and wine upon her return home. However, when work beckons, Jess cancels at the last minute, dashing off to Whitney Marsh and back to her job.
Caught between her family's welfare and her responsibilities, Jess faces the repercussions of her decision. "She’s chosen to try and make it work, but it’s clearly not in a good place," Sinéad cautions.
