ITV's Unforgotten 'future in doubt' as creator 'steps down' amid series backlash
ITV cold case series Unforgotten has been entertaining fans for over a decade - but it looks like the show is about to make a huge change.
It comes two years after lead Nicola Walker who played DCI Cassie Stuart, was replaced by Sinéad Keenan, who plays DCI Jessica James. The change came after Nicola's character died after a car accident in the show in series four, with Keenan taking the lead from series five and beyond.
The latest series, series 6, aired earlier this year, although some fans had criticised the show over the political theme as crime-solving duo DCI Jess James and DI Sunil Khan uncovered many hidden secrets.
Viewers had complained that the "political commentary" felt too much on occasions in series six. One person stated on X: "I was a fan of each previous series. 2 episodes in and I'm finding the political commentary way too much, I think it detracts from the story and makes the whole thing less credible."
Others went into describe the show as "too woke" with one writing: 'Sorry guys but you have ruined #Unforgotten as it's now complete woke nonsense!'
Now, Chris has revealed he's planning to 'step down' as a writer after next year's new series. '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, " Chris said in an interview with the Royal Television Society.
'I wouldn't write it if I didn't have something to say about the state of the nation," he continued. '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.'
Responding to fan criticism earlier this year, Chris responded to one fan: "Sorry to hear that, I like to hold up a mirror to the UK, and reflect where we are."
Despite the criticism, the drama which also features Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunil Khan, received impressive viewing figures during the latest series in February. The first episode drew in a huge 7.4million viewers.
The feedback wasn't all bad however - with many fans taking to social media to defend their favourite drama. One said: 'Just watched #Unforgotten #6. Yet again, THE best thing on television.
Another agreed: "Yet again, huge credit to @ChrisLangWriter for phenomenal writing.
"Yet again, huge credit to @SineadKeenan & @TVSanjeev for their excellent & totally credible performances, as to the entire cast and production." (sic)
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