Latest news with #JimmyMcGovern
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Challenging' BBC drama featuring Adolescence star confirms release date
Unforgivable is a new drama from Time writer Jimmy McGovern and has a stellar cast including Anna Friel and Line of Duty's Anna Maxwell Martin The BBC has unveiled the release date for a chilling new drama featuring a young actor from Adolescence and a star from Line of Duty. Unforgivable is a gripping original drama penned by Time's scriptwriter Jimmy McGovern, and much like the Sean Bean and Stephen Graham led series Time, it's set within and revolves around the UK prison system. The plot centres on the fictional Mitchell family, who are left grappling with the devastating aftermath of an act of abuse committed by one of their own. After serving two years of his prison sentence, Joe (portrayed by Bobby Schofield) finds himself in an institution that provides him with a home and rehabilitation post-release. He embarks on therapy sessions in an attempt to comprehend what drove him to commit such a horrific crime, and to confront the repercussions of his actions, reports the Liverpool Echo. The recently released trailer by the BBC depicts Joe adjusting to life after prison, while his family continue to question the reasons behind his abusive behaviour. His sister Anne (played by Emmy-award winner Anna Friel) is coping with the impact his crime has had on her family, including her sons Tom (Adolescence actor Austin Haynes) and Peter (Fin McParland), whilst her father Brian (David Threlfall) is livid at the idea of her having been in contact with Joe. Meanwhile, Line of Duty actress Anna Maxwell Martin portrays a former nun who provides Joe with therapy at the institution as part of his rehabilitation. The upcoming drama Unforgivable has created quite a buzz with the BBC hinting that it's all about the widespread impact of abuse and the struggle to move beyond its devastation. "The drama examines the extensive ripple effect of abuse from multiple perspectives and how those involved can try to move forwards in the midst of the devastation," the corporation teased ahead of the show's anticipated release. It has now been confirmed that Unforgivable will debut in full on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Thursday 24th July, with the episode airing later that day on BBC Two. Reacting to the newly-published trailer, as it was shared by Marcella actress Anna on Instagram, one fan wrote: "Can't wait - looks so good." Another posted: "Ohhhhhhhh wow - I feel a binge watch coming up!!!!!!" "Gonna be seated to watch this religiously. Congrats on your new project," a third said. "It's McGovern so looks so gripping already, thanks for sharing," someone else wrote. Set against the backdrop of Liverpool, where it was filmed, the cast is further bolstered with Mark Womack, Paddy Rowan, and Phina Oruche taking up pivotal supporting roles. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, previously shared an insight into what viewers can expect from the drama, saying: "Jimmy McGovern is one of our greatest dramatists, and a master at writing about today's world. "His new film sensitively examines the pain of abuse and how it affects not only the victim but ripples out across the whole family. To see it brought to the screen with such a high calibre cast and creative team is further testament to the quality of Jimmy's writing." Writer Jimmy McGovern also said: "I can't believe the cast and crew that have been assembled for this production. It's a challenging film, yes, but I can't wait for it to be shown." Colin McKeown, executive producer for LA Productions added: "This is a profoundly challenging and sensitive subject, tackled with intelligence and care by Jimmy McGovern. It's a privilege to be working with him again following the success of our previous collaborations on single dramas: Common, Care, Reg and Anthony." Unforgivable will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Thursday 24th July, and air on BBC Two at 9pm that evening.
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Thriller hailed 'one of the BBC's best shows ever' back for season 3
Thriller fans are in for a treat with reports the BBC is bringing back a Bafta-winning show for a third season. Jimmy McGovern's series Time is poised for a return, with filming set to get underway for new episodes which could air on BBC One in 2026. The first series, which aired across three episodes in 2021 and was set in a men's prison, won a Bafta for best mini-series, with actors Sean Bean and Stephen Graham getting trophies for their respective roles as inmate Mark and prison officer Eric. A second series followed two years later, with Bella Ramsey (Kelsey), Tamara Lawrance (Abi) and Jodie Whittaker (Orla) leading the cast in female-only jail. According to reports, the planned third season will be set in a young offenders institution, which is said to be a 'coincidence' after Stephen's recent success in Adolescence. 'The parallels between the new show's central topic and Netflix's recent hit, Adolescence, are obvious, but entirely coincidental,' a source told The Sun. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video However, it's suggested despite the similarities of dealing with 'adolescent offending and its consequences', the new Time episodes 'would most likely have gone down this path anyway' even if hadn't been for Adolescence's huge success. The insider added: 'But it is certainly a theme which will prove highly immersive for audiences who have already been introduced to the world of young offenders through Adolescence.' Meanwhile, casting is reportedly yet to be decided, but the source said 'the lead roles are guaranteed to be sought after'. The BBC has declined to comment on the reports. Fans will no doubt be thrilled at the prospect of another story from writer Jimmy, with viewers previously hailing the show as among the best the BBC has produced. On Google, fan David Roberts wrote: 'Gripping, dangerous, insightful, insidious, harmful, touching, cruel, mesmerising, thought provoking, challenging to watch, detailed characters, real, moving, family centred, gritty, life affirming!' Another viewer, James Goldman, added: 'I'm pretty sure this is the best programme I've seen come out of the BBC ever.' 'Time is easily the best TV I've watched in a while,' agreed Penny Griffin. 'With such powerful storytelling and beautiful acting, I honestly cannot think of a flaw.' More Trending And Keith Cairns wrote: 'One of the greatest programmes I've ever seen. Riveting and superb acting.' Others praised season 1 duo Sean and Stephen for their 'magnetic' performances, while the second series has been described as a 'triumphant continuation'. Hopefully a third season can rise to such lofty heights! View More » Time is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. 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: Meet the Wimbledon 2025 tennis presenters, commentators and pundits MORE: When is EastEnders on this week? BBC schedule twist confirmed MORE: Andrew Castle snaps back at John McEnroe over controversial Wimbledon decision
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Award-winning BBC drama with perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score returning to screens next year - and it's set to be 'the new Adolescence'
An award-winning BBC crime drama's future has finally been confirmed after two series - and it's on course to be the 'new Adolescence'. It first burst onto screens back in 2021 and quickly became a fan-favourite, thanks to Sean Bean playing the lead role for series one. Written by Jimmy McGovern, the series has proved so popular with viewers and critics it's has achieved an incredible 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. And now Time looks set to return to the BBC for a third instalment, with sources claiming it could be back on screens as early as next year. An insider told The Sun: 'The parallels between the new show's central topic and Netflix 's recent hit, Adolescence, are obvious, but entirely coincidental. 'Though both deal with adolescent offending and its consequences, the third series of Time would most likely have gone down this path anyway. Written by Jimmy McGovern, the series has proved so popular with viewers and critics it's has achieved an incredible 100% Rotten Tomatoes score 'But it is certainly a theme which will prove highly immersive for audiences who have already been introduced to the world of young offenders through Adolescence.' While the first series was set in a male-only prison, series two focused on a female facility - with it currently unclear where the next series could be set. The mole added: 'It's not clear yet which actors will take the lead in the new show, but the lead roles are guaranteed to be sought after.' Series one of Time, which boasts the perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, saw Sean Bean star alongside Stephen Graham. Sean, 65, played guilt-ridden prisoner Mark Cobden and acting powerhouse Stephen Graham, 51, as prison officer Eric McNally in a tense and realistic scenes. The second run has a respectable 93% score and featured Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrence, Bella Ramsey and Siobhan Finneran. Fans previously gushed over Time, which is available to binge-watch on BBC iPlayer, branding it the most 'raw, true show ever made'. One fan posted on Rotten Tomatoes: 'Very moving and successful on a variety of different levels. Highly recommended Britbox crime drama and captivity drama hits home.' Another impressed viewer added: 'Hard and thought provoking. Makes you see different sides and lifelong consequences to huge errors that can be made in life. Excellent performances. Worth watching.' A third said: 'This is a tense and gritty prison drama. Although there are only 3 episodes [in season one], not one minute is wasted as all the characters are well written and integral (even poor Bernard). 'Sean Bean and Stephen Graham give stellar performances without trying to tug on the heartstrings too much! Highly recommended.' The first series was recognised at the time with a number of prestigious awards including two BAFTAs - one for best mini-series, beating It's A Sin, Landscapers and Stephen, and another for Bean's star turn. Time's second season
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Future of gritty BBC drama ‘with obvious parallels to Netflix's Adolescence' revealed
THE first two series of Time won praise and awards, and now I can reveal the prison drama will be back for a third stretch. Written once more by the acclaimed Jimmy McGovern, filming is set to start later this year with a view to potentially airing on BBC One in 2026. 5 5 The debut season was set in a men's jail, the second a female-only facility, and this run of episodes will take place in an institution for young offenders. A TV insider said: 'The parallels between the new show's central topic and Netflix's recent hit, Adolescence, are obvious, but entirely coincidental. 'Though both deal with adolescent offending and its consequences, the third series of Time would most likely have gone down this path anyway. 'But it is certainly a theme which will prove highly immersive for audiences who have already been introduced to the world of young offenders through Adolescence. 'It's not clear yet which actors will take the lead in the new show, but the lead roles are guaranteed to be sought after.' The first series of Time aired on BBC One in 2021, starring Stephen Graham as a prison guard and Sean Bean as a lag. At the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards, it won Best Mini-Series, while Sean scooped the Best Actor gong and Stephen was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Season two aired in 2023, also on BBC One, starring Jodie Whittaker, fresh from playing the Doctor in Doctor Who, and The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey. But before taking us back behind bars, writer Jimmy is likely to be preoccupied with the publicity for his next BBC show, Unforgivable, which stars Anna Friel, David Threlfall and Anna Maxwell Martin. Set and filmed in Liverpool, the BBC Two and iPlayer fictional drama will look at the impact of grooming and sexual abuse on a family, and is expected to air later this year. The BBC was approached for comment. Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters' acclaimed drama Adolescence smashes huge Netflix record by DOUBLE after taking world by storm Dancers go on the run 5 There'll soon be more than one TV show offering an interesting Strictly pairing. I can reveal that pro dancers Carlos Gu and Amy Dowden, who are also gearing up for this year's BBC dance contest, are forming a duo for the next Celebrity Hunted on Channel 4. They'll be joined on the series, which has yet to get an air date, by Love Island hunks Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran, who'll also form a pair. Former EastEnders star Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy, who's also an entertainer, join the line up. And yesterday Scarlette Douglas and her brother Stuart – hosts of Channel 4's Worst House On The Street – were also announced as contestants. As they all go on the run, it's likely Amy and Carlos will be lightest on their feet. The BBC's hunt for the next John Motson lands today. Last Pundit Standing airs on iPlayer, TikTok and YouTube and follows 12 passionate footie fans competing for a job on BBC Sport. Ex-player Troy Deeney hosts with YouTube football guru James Allcott. Frank feels the heat TV host and comedian Frank Skinner ended up in A&E last week after getting sunburnt digging up a body in last week's heatwave. It wasn't even for any kind of show, he just decided to take part in an archaeological dig for fun in his own time. Talking on the latest episode of his podcast Frank On The Radio, which has recently dropped, the comic explained: 'I was exhuming an Anglo-Saxon body. 'I was given a grave, you're working away and then a skull appears. 'I really hate sun block so I don't normally use it, I just think: 'Keep an eye on the clock – 20 minutes on my front, 20 minutes on my back'. 'But it was so hot last Monday – I actually ended up in A&E I was so badly burnt.'
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC reveals first-look images of Anna Maxwell Martin in harrowing new drama
Unforgivable, from Time creator Jimmy McGovern, follows one family as they try to come to terms with the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse The BBC has unveiled the first-look images for its new hard-hitting drama Unforgivable, showcasing actors Anna Friel, Bobby Schofield and Anna Maxwell Martin in their latest roles. Penned by Time writer Jimmy McGovern, the intense original drama delves into the consequences of grooming and sexual abuse on a family unit. First-look stills reveal Emmy-winner Anna Friel portraying a character also named Anna, Anne actor Bobby as Joe, Bafta-winners Anna Maxwell Martin as Katherine and David Threlfall playing Brian, with Adolescence actor Austin Haynes cast as Tom. Located and shot in Liverpool, Unforgivable casts the spotlight on the fictive Mitchell family as they grapple with the shattering impact of a vile act of abuse committed by one of their kin. Joe makes his way to a rehabilitation centre after completing his prison term, which provides him accommodation and help post-release, reports the Liverpool Echo. He takes on therapy sessions in the hope of understanding what led him to commit the abuse, and to face the consequences of his actions, while supported by ex-nun Katherine. At the same time, Joe's sister Anna is dealing with the effects his crime had on her family, including her sons Tom and Peter (Fin McParland) and her father Brian. The BBC has hinted: "The drama examines the extensive ripple effect of abuse from multiple perspectives and how those involved can try to move forwards in the midst of the devastation." Joining the line-up are Mark Womack, Paddy Rowan and Phina Oruche. BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt previously offered an insight into what viewers can expect from the upcoming drama, stating: "Jimmy McGovern is one of our greatest dramatists, and a master at writing about today's world. "His new film sensitively examines the pain of abuse and how it affects not only the victim but ripples out across the whole family. To see it brought to the screen with such a high calibre cast and creative team is further testament to the quality of Jimmy's writing." Writer Jimmy expressed his enthusiasm as well: "I can't believe the cast and crew that have been assembled for this production. It's a challenging film, yes, but I can't wait for it to be shown." LA Productions' Executive Producer Colin McKeown also added his thoughts: "This is a profoundly challenging and sensitive subject, tackled with intelligence and care by Jimmy McGovern. It's a privilege to be working with him again following the success of our previous collaborations on single dramas: Common, Care, Reg and Anthony."
