ITV Unforgotten star makes feelings clear on drama’s political themes amid ‘virtue signalling’ debate
ITV drama Unforgotten returns to screens this weekend, with Sanjeev Bhaskar back for his sixth series of the police detective show.
The crime drama sees DCI Jess James (played by Sinead Keenan) and Bhaskar’s character Sunny thrown back into another dark investigation.
The drama also explores other topics within its plot lines, with issues such as immigration, the environment and Brexit present in some series.
Discussing this, Bhaskar explained he was “pleased” with the exploration, adding: “Chris [Lang] is an empathetic writer who always addresses key issues.
“It’s one of the things that, for me, makes it a great show – despite me being in it!”
Speaking to Radio Times, he added: “There are always four disparate people who have some sort of connection and there’s always an underlying theme, be it friendship, justice or divisive issues.”
Co-star Keenan also shared her thoughts, stating: “I am European.”
She told the publication: “I personally think the UK is better in than out. My boys, who are nine and seven-and-a-half, have got Irish passports. They’re very lucky.”
Keenan joined in the latest series, which aired in 2023, following the dramatic exit of Sunny’s original detective partner Cassie (Nicola Walker).
The character died in tragic scenes at the end of the fourth series, with fans stunned by the unexpected twist.
Keenan admitted she initially thought it would be “ridiculous” to attempt to follow in Walker’s footsteps, but her curiosity led to her taking on the role.
The synopsis for the first episode reads: “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.”
The drama’s exploration of various political subjects comes amid ongoing backlash of “woke” themes and “virtue signalling” from both celebrities and TV.
On Monday, comedian Ricky Gervais weighed in on the political statements made during Sunday’s Grammy Awards, blasting some of the messages shared.
Host Trevor Noah aimed a jokey dig at President Donald Trump as he opened the 67th Grammy Awards, noting that “tens of thousands of people have lost their homes” and “entire neighbourhoods have been erased”.
After referencing the devastating LA wildfires, he continued: “Despite all the devastation, the spirit of the city has emerged”.
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Seemingly responding to the political undertones of many of the famous faces’ acceptance speeches, Gervais, 63, chimed in on social media.
Sharing an image of himself with a quote from his famous 2020 Golden Globes speech, which read: “You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything,” he added: “They’re still not listening.”
During the candid and memorable speech from five years ago, the comedian told some of Hollywood’s biggest names: “So if you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech.
“You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world.”
Unforgotten returns to ITV for series six on February 9.