Adolescence child star's new role in BBC drama unveiled in first-look pictures
The BBC has unveiled first-look images for Unforgivable, showcasing Anna Friel, Bobby Schofield and Anna Maxwell Martin in their latest roles.
This hard-hitting original drama comes from Time screenwriter Jimmy McGovern and delves into how grooming and sexual abuse devastates an entire family.
The preview photographs feature Emmy-winner Anna Friel as Anne, Bobby Schofield as Joe, BAFTA-winners Anna Maxwell Martin as Katherine, David Threlfall as Brian, and Adolescence actor Austin Haynes as Tom, who played Fredo in the Netflix series and has also appeared in All Creatures Great and Small.
Shot on location in Liverpool, Unforgivable follows the fictional Mitchell family as they grapple with the horrific consequences of abuse committed by one of their own.
Following his prison sentence, Joe arrives at an institution that provides accommodation and rehabilitation support upon his release, reports the Liverpool Echo.
He undergoes therapy sessions aimed at helping him understand what drove him to commit the abuse and confront the impact of his actions, with guidance from former nun Katherine.
Meanwhile, Joe's sister Anna struggles with how his crime has affected her family, including her sons Tom and Peter (Fin McParland) and her father Brian.
The BBC has revealed: "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 supporting cast features Mark Womack, Paddy Rowan and Phina Oruche.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, has given a tantalising preview of what audiences can expect from the upcoming drama, remarking: "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."
Jimmy also expressed his excitement, stating: "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, also weighed in on the project, saying: "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."
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