ITV has released a first-look image for the upcoming seventh series of the crime drama Unforgotten, confirming its return next year. The broadcaster's announcement has prompted an excited reaction from fans, with one writing: "Wishing the rest of 2026 away! CANNOT WAIT."
Returning Cast and New Additions
Unforgotten first aired in 2015, starring Nicola Walker as DCI Cassie Stuart, who led a team of London detectives in solving cold cases involving disappearances and murders. For the seventh series, Sinead Keenan and Sanjeev Bhaskar are set to return as DCI Jess James and DI Sunny Khan respectively.
The first-look image shows Bhaskar and Keenan behind an interrogation desk. Joining the cast for the new series are Peaky Blinders actress Sophie Rundle, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Jo Hartley, Paul Kaye, Nicholas Burns, Outlander's Natalie Simpson, Kirsty J Curtis, Happy Valley actor Andrew Tiernan, Ben Bailey Smith and Dominic Coleman.
Additional cast members include David Fynn, India Brown, Sonya Nisa, Joshua Sher, Rachel Atkins, Roger Dipper, Cameron Jack, Mark Jax, Call the Midwife's Joe McNamara, Yazdan Qafouri, Paula Wilcox and Philip Martin Brown.
Series Premise and Fan Reaction
ITV previously teased the synopsis for the new series, which opens with the discovery of human remains in the crawl space of a house in Ladbroke Grove, London. Early forensic analysis suggests the body is that of a child and has been deliberately concealed for several years. A DNA match links the victim to a previously closed historic case, leading Sunny Khan and Jess James to revisit the original inquiry.
The investigation introduces new characters, including a troubled social worker, Mary Brock (Sophie Rundle), a respected inmate, Lacee Cook (Kirsty J Curtis), a struggling addict, Hugh Swafham (Julian Rhind-Tutt), and a tenacious journalist, Ruby Allenford (Natalie Simpson).
Executive producer Chris Lang previously said: "I am so delighted to have been asked to create another series of Unforgotten, and given the opportunity once again to follow Sunny, Jess and their brilliant team, as they attempt to crack another cold case." He added: "Unforgotten is a drama that has always asked its audience to lean in, concentrate, and engage with complex ideas, plots and themes, and we are profoundly grateful that such a large and loyal audience continue to enjoy doing exactly that. Roll on series 7!!"
Fans have shared their enthusiasm online, with one commenting: "Love this show so much. I miss Nicola a lot but Sinéad is excellent." Another wrote: "So very much looking forward to this - always a guaranteed belter!"
Unforgotten has previously been praised by viewers as "absolutely wonderful", "extremely addictive", and "the best crime drama ever". One review called it "a masterpiece of a series", while another said it is "The epitome of British crime dramas, not a wasted episode."
Unforgotten is available to watch on ITVX.
