logo
Huge ITV drama ‘facing axe' dealt fresh blow as creator quits after he's slammed for woke storylines

Huge ITV drama ‘facing axe' dealt fresh blow as creator quits after he's slammed for woke storylines

Scottish Sun15-07-2025
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
DESPITE gaining a huge following since its launch a decade ago, cold case series Unforgotten feels to some fans as if it is losing its way a little.
First, lead Nicola Walker was replaced in 2023, then this year's series was criticised for its woke storylines.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
4
ITV drama Unforgotten has been dealt another fresh blow after Nicola Walker, pictured, was replaced in 2023
Credit: Rex
4
Chris Lang, the writer behind the ITV thriller, wants to quit the series after next year's run
Credit: Alamy
Now Chris Lang, the brains behind the ITV thriller, says he wants to quit as writer after next year's run.
He said: 'I'll probably hand on the baton after this series. I'll still be involved, but I've written 42 episodes and don't want to repeat myself.'
In an interview with the Royal Television Society, Chris added: 'I wouldn't write it if I didn't have something to say about the state of the nation.
'Because Unforgotten has an inherent and robust structure, that allows me space to hold up a mirror to British society — it's a Trojan horse show.'
But the show, which also stars Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunil Khan, has been slammed by some viewers for those 'Trojan horse' storylines that deal with themes including immigration, racism and the Covid crisis.
Taking to X, one remarked: 'I reckon one more series and this show will get mothballed or even fully axed. Unfortunately this one is a real box-ticking leftie crowd-pleaser.'
Another posted: 'The woke mind virus has even taken hold of #Unforgotten'
Another added: '#Unforgotten is forgettable. Another drama has gone woke.'
A fourth said: '#itv how many woke boxes did you tick in that first episode? Lecturing your audience is so tedious.'
Yet another stated: 'Given up on this load of woke garbage, supposed to be entertainment not propaganda.'
Unforgotten star reveals surprise real-life family link to storyline - as hit ITV crime drama returns
The first episode of last series, which aired in February, peaked at 7.4million viewers, making it the second highest-performing drama of last year.
Chris also said that many viewers still hadn't forgiven the show for losing Nicola, who played DCI Cassie Stuart and replacing her with Sinead Keenan as new department chief, DCI Jessica James.
He recalled how he was with his wife on holiday last year and met some American fans who were initially thrilled to discover Chris had written the show.
But he said: 'The mood suddenly soured. One of the women went full Kathy Bates and said, 'You killed Nicola Walker!'.
Here's hoping he hasn't killed off the whole show, too.
WOULD I FLY TO YOU?
4
Rob Brydon IN Destination X, the BBC's new challenge show
Credit: BBC
HERE'S the first look at Rob Brydon as he launches Destination X, the BBC's brilliant new challenge show.
Smartly dressed as a pilot, the Would I Lie To You? host can be seen getting the first nail-biting trial under way in the series that is part Traitors and part Race Across The World.
And the contestants are in for a wild ride.
The show, which launches later this month, sees them board a blacked-out bus where they are fed clues – and a few nasty red herrings – with one simple question at the end of each episode: Where in Europe are you?
A £100,000 prize awaits the winner.
But with the amount of Euro facts we'll all learn along the way, I reckon some of us will win big at the next pub quiz too.
GLAD SPIN-OFF IS BACK
THE Gladiators spin-off prank show proved such a hit with viewers it's back for a second series.
I can reveal it will be shot when the lycra-clad muscle men and women convene this month to film the conventional show for BBC One.
Gladiators: Epic Pranks is aimed at youngsters and sees the likes of Phantom and Giant playing tricks on one another, and members of the public, for the sadistic amusement of viewers.
There will also be the celebrity spin-off, which usually airs around Christmas, at the same time as the regular show.
But the names of the stars taking part have yet to be revealed.
Watch this space . . .
IT'S A FULL HOUSE IN LONDON
MOST of you probably thought The Real Housewives Of London would be a bunch of filthy rich women carping at each other while gorging on various luxuries in the capital.
Well, you're wrong – because they also go to Scotland.
4
Panthea Parker is one of the six cast members for Real Housewives of London
Credit: Hayu
Everything else is true, however, which is pretty evident in the trailer which has just been released ahead of the new show streaming on Hayu from August 18.
It's like a game of posh princess bingo, with mentions of diamond bracelets, facelifts, caviar, castles – and, of course, oodles of money.
Some of the interactions between the warring women are a delight.
In the trailer, one tells another: 'You're just a chronic liar and an insecure tw*t!'
Another tells a rival: 'You're a f***ing bitch, a low life and mutton dressed as lamb.'
Can. Not. Wait.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Love Island fans in a frenzy as iconic Meet The Family segment RETURNS
Love Island fans in a frenzy as iconic Meet The Family segment RETURNS

Scottish Sun

time32 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Love Island fans in a frenzy as iconic Meet The Family segment RETURNS

it's back! Love Island fans in a frenzy as iconic Meet The Family segment RETURNS as Toni's mum makes her entrance Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island fans have been sent into a frenzy as a fan-favourite feature makes its long-awaited comeback. ITV has confirmed the return of the very popular Meet The Family segment, set to air in the lead-up to the final. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 1 Love Island's Meet The Family segment is returning The fan-favourite, which sees Islanders reunited with their family members and friends inside the villa, has long been a staple of the series. It often delivers emotional reunions and candid exchanges, with some families raising concerns or giving their blessing to the couples ahead of the show's conclusion. This year's family visits are expected to air in the final week of the series.

Love Island fans in a frenzy as iconic Meet The Family segment RETURNS
Love Island fans in a frenzy as iconic Meet The Family segment RETURNS

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Love Island fans in a frenzy as iconic Meet The Family segment RETURNS

LOVE Island fans have been sent into a frenzy as a fan-favourite feature makes its long-awaited comeback. ITV has confirmed the return of the very popular Meet The Family segment, set to air in the lead-up to the final. 1 The fan-favourite, which sees Islanders reunited with their family members and friends inside the villa, has long been a staple of the series. It often delivers emotional reunions and candid exchanges, with some families raising concerns or giving their blessing to the couples ahead of the show's conclusion. This year's family visits are expected to air in the final week of the series.

Vanessa Kirby confirms huge Fantastic Four secret everyone is talking about
Vanessa Kirby confirms huge Fantastic Four secret everyone is talking about

Metro

time2 hours ago

  • Metro

Vanessa Kirby confirms huge Fantastic Four secret everyone is talking about

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Vanessa Kirby has confirmed the truth behind that Fantastic Four mid-credits sequence. The British actress, 37, plays Sue Storm—or the Invisible Woman, to those in the know—in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Sue makes up one quarter of Marvel's First Family, appearing alongside husband Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), hotheaded brother Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) and human rock face The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as the titular Fantastic Four. With the Fantastic Four's Marvel Cinematic Universe debut out now, audiences have been flocking in droves to witness their arrival. The team may have their hands full battling cosmic world-eater Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), but there'll be an even bigger villain on fans' minds once the end credits finish rolling. With the cat out of the bag, Kirby has clarified what Doctor Doom's cameo at the end of the film means… and confirmed that star Robert Downey Jr. is already very much back. In the first of two post-credits sequences, Sue is shocked to find a menacing hooded figure looming over her young son, Franklin. Fans will already know this to be the Fantastic Four's longtime nemesis, Doctor Doom, who will be played by Robert Downey Jr. in the upcoming sequel, Avengers: Doomsday. Although the villain's face is obscured, Kirby has revealed that it was indeed Downey Jr. behind that hood. 'Yeah! Robert's never not been on set,' she told Variety when asked whetherRDJ was present for the shoot. She continued: 'He's always there. He is our leader. We call him our Godfather. He's looked after us. This sequence was filmed by the Russo Brothers as part of their work on Avengers: Doomsday and shot while Kirby was pregnant in real life. 'It's such a joy working with the Russos and him, because they've had such deep collaboration for so long,' she revealed. 'And it's been amazing being pregnant and working on Avengers. I felt so inspired and so relieved that I've been so taken care of. It's been a really beautiful journey. Robert is just doing incredible work. I'm so excited.' It was announced last year that Downey Jr. would be returning to the long-running franchise, six years after being killed off in Avengers: Endgame. This came as Earth's mightiest heroes faced off against purple menace Thanos (Josh Brolin) for the fate of the universe. This spelt the end of Downey Jr.'s career-defining stint as Tony Stark—aka Iron Man—sacrificing himself at the end of the film to secure the future of reality as we know it. A few years later, it was confirmed that he would be returning, albeit in an entirely different role. The actor's appointment to the post was unveiled at last year's Comic-Con, when a cloaked Downey Jr. removed his mask to reveal that he would be playing Doom, real name Victor von Doom. This character was previously played by late Nip/Tuck actor Julian McMahon in the 2005 and 2007 films and by Toby Kebbell in the 2015 reboot. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Doom's brief appearance at the end of First Steps gives little away as to what he has planned, although we do know it involves Sue and Reed's infant son. He will spearhead a massive cast in Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently set for release on December 26, 2026. More Trending Names already announced include Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright and Paul Rudd, as well as X-Men actors Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn and James Marsden. Of his return to the MCU, Downey Jr. joked: 'New mask, same task. 'What did I tell you? I like playing complicated characters.' The Fantastic Four: First Steps is out in UK cinemas now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Pedro Pascal responds to misconceptions and his answer is so on-brand MORE: Benedict Cumberbatch blasts 'grossly wasteful' film industry MORE: Meet the 'hidden' Russo sibling leading her Marvel director brothers' studio

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store