Latest news with #Unforgivable
Daily Record
a day ago
- 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."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Adolescence child star's new role in BBC drama unveiled in first-look pictures
The harrowing original drama, from Time screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, explores the impact of grooming and sexual abuse on one family 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."
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Celeb Pawrents: Actor-couple Jesseca Liu and Jeremy Chan track their fur kids with AirTags
Celebrity couple Jesseca Liu and Jeremy Chan with their cats Tigger, a white 19-year-old male domestic shorthair, and Crusso Meimei, a three-year-old female tabby. PHOTO: COURTESY OF JESSECA LIU SINGAPORE – Celebrity couple Jesseca Liu and Jeremy Chan are so protective of their fur kids that they keep a close watch on them all the time. The actors installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor their two cats, who are kept strictly indoors. They also placed AirTags on their collars to track their location should they escape. Liu, 46, and Chan, 43, are devoted pawrents to Tigger, a white 19-year-old male domestic shorthair, and Crusso Meimei, a grey three-year-old female tabby. Both were adopted when they were kittens. The couple currently shuttle between Singapore and Malaysia to film Mediacorp's 2026 blockbuster drama The Leftovers. The dystopian crime series about organ trafficking also stars Li Nanxing, Zhang Zetong, Cheryl Chou and Desmond Tan. Despite their busy schedules, Chan and Liu, who tied the knot in 2017, try to spend as much time with their cats as possible and constantly check the CCTV cameras via their phones to see how they are doing at home. If they are both away from home for a longer period, the popular Malaysian actress will call in her friend, who is 'the cats' godmother and takes care of them like her own children'. Liu is up for the Best Actress trophy at the Star Awards 2025 on July 6 for her strong performance in crime drama Unforgivable (2024). She also earned nominations in five other categories, including two Favourite Female Character awards for her roles in Unforgivable and the drama Once Upon A New Year's Eve (2024). Chan received three nominations for the annual Mediacorp awards, including Top 10 Male Artistes, Best Programme Host and Most Charismatic Actor. The Singaporean actor-host hosts culinary show Murder On The Menu, now showing on Channel 8 on Wednesdays at 8pm as well as on mewatch. Liu's affinity for animals can be traced back to her formative years in Langkawi, Malaysia, where there were many stray cats and dogs. 'Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by animals. In a way, they were all my pets,' she says. Before the couple adopted Crusso Meimei, they had another male tabby named Crusso, who died in November 2021 from pancreatic cancer. He was 14 years old. 'Crusso Meimei reminded us so much of Crusso that we decided to name her after her older brother,' says Liu. She adds that she has always been particularly drawn to cats. She attributes this to a sense of emotional kinship with them. 'I believe cats are very much like me – emotionally sensitive yet not overtly expressive,' she says. 'How can you tell they're sensitive? Just look at how wildly they play with you. When it comes to the humans they love, they always retract their claws. They would never intentionally hurt you.' A particularly touching memory that epitomises this bond involves her first cat, Tigger. On occasions when Liu found herself locked out of her home, Tigger would ingeniously squeeze through a window simply to sit by her side until help arrived. 'If he truly wished to run away, he could have done so easily. Yet every time he 'escaped', it was solely to be with me,' she says, adding that Tigger has always been a gentle, reliable companion. The relationship between Tigger and Crusso Meimei has evolved. Given the significant age difference – Tigger being a senior cat and Crusso Meimei still youthful – the initial adjustment period was understandably challenging. 'They had a love-hate relationship. It warms my heart sometimes to see them cosy up to each other as brother and sister,' says Liu. 'Meimei is full of boundless energy,' adds the Emerald Hill (2025) actress. 'She loves to play and knows exactly when to turn on her charm.' Describing both cats as very 'manja' (Malay for affectionate) towards them, Liu feels Tigger and Crusso Meimei may be more attached to her husband, as he spends a lot of time playing with them. 'He's also the strict dad, while I'm the gentle mum,' Liu says, adding that she's her 'cats' slave' and she cannot stop cuddling them. Both cats sleep with the couple and 'stick to us at different times'. She adds, with a laugh: 'It's funny how smart they are – they totally know who to go to depending on what they want.' Caring for Tigger and Crusso Meimei is a responsibility Liu and Chan take very seriously. Both cats are sterilised, microchipped and kept strictly indoors for their safety. 'We don't take them out as they are shy and afraid of new environments. We don't want to stress them out,' says Liu. Their dietary needs are carefully managed, with a particular emphasis on providing Tigger with proper nutrition tailored to his senior age. Despite their busy schedules, Chan and Liu, who tied the knot in 2017, try to spend as much time with their cats as possible. PHOTO: COURTESY OF JESSECA LIU While the joy of having pets is immeasurable, Liu acknowledges that it is not without challenges. A particularly alarming incident occurred in 2024 when Crusso Meimei leapt up to a cabinet and tried to jump down without realising how high it was. The resulting fall was accompanied by a distressing cry, prompting an urgent visit to the veterinarian. Fortunately, Crusso Meimei emerged unscathed, but the incident was a stark reminder of the constant vigilance that pet ownership demands. 'That incident really gave us a huge scare,' says Liu. Joanne Soh is a lifestyle correspondent at The Straits Times, with a special interest in entertainment and pop culture. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Actress Hong Ling recounts freezing honeymoon in Switzerland -- and how husband Nick Teo saved the day
Hong Ling and Nick Teo went for their honeymoon more than one year after their marriage. Lim Ruey Yan The Straits Times June 22, 2025 Home-grown actress Hong Ling did not mind leaving all the planning for her recent honeymoon to her husband, actor Nick Teo. The Mediacorp celebrity couple said on social media in May and June that they had travelled to Switzerland and Italy for a two-week honeymoon. As she is the eldest child in her family, Hong, 30, usually plans the itinerary for her family's overseas trips. However, her honeymoon was totally arranged by Teo, 35, whom she married in December 2023. "I have not organised things after being with Nick," Hong told Lianhe Zaobao on June 18. "In his eyes, I am a girl who is a little confused and does not know anything." The actress was speaking to the Chinese-language newspaper during a coffee session with the media for Mediacorp's new TV series The Spirit Hunter. "I have always been the one in charge of planning at home," Hong said. "Perhaps I have someone to rely on after meeting him, so I'm willing to let go and let him do the planning." Revealing the reason for delaying their honeymoon, she said: "We took on acting roles at different times, so it just dragged on for a year and a half." The actress starred in the crime drama Unforgivable (2024), for which she has a Best Actress nomination at the Star Awards on July 6, alongside co-star Jesseca Liu. Meanwhile, Teo acted in pet and marriage drama Furever Yours (2024) and the blockbuster series Emerald Hill - The Little Nyonya Story (2025). Hong told Zaobao that she cannot forget the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, which was chosen as her husband had been looking forward to visiting the country. She recalled that both her agent and actress Jeanette Aw had told her it would not be very cold in Switzerland. Instead, it rained for several days when she and Teo arrived in Switzerland, with the temperature on the mountains dropping to as low as minus 11 deg C. She was saved by Teo's advance planning; he had packed a puffer jacket that kept her warm. On Mother's Day, Hong went public on social media about her miscarriage. She disclosed to Zaobao that she felt relieved after opening up about the heart-breaking incident. With enough time to rest, she said, she has recovered well. The actress recently fell in love with pickleball, and she and Teo would invite friends to enjoy the sport together. "I felt it was fun and went to learn it," she said. "I finally stepped out of the room to play last week. I quite like it and will likely continue to play." In The Spirit Hunter, which premieres on Channel 8 on July 3, Hong plays an ordinary young woman embarking on a journey to eliminate ghosts and malevolent spirits after receiving a sword. It also stars Ferlyn G, Richie Koh, Tyler Ten and Elvin Ng. Hong will be involved in action scenes again in the new drama, just like in Unforgiven. She does not feel her stamina has improved, though. "On the contrary, I felt as if I have become weak," she said. "It was very tiring filming the fighting scenes and I didn't want to move at all after I was done with them." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
The Star
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Singaporean actress Hong Ling leaves honeymoon planning to husband Nick Teo
Hong Ling and Nick Teo went for their honeymoon more than one year after their marriage. Photos: Nick Teo/Instagram Singaporean actress Hong Ling did not mind leaving all the planning for her recent honeymoon to her husband, actor Nick Teo. The Mediacorp celebrity couple said on social media in May and June that they had travelled to Switzerland and Italy for a two-week honeymoon. As she is the eldest child in her family, Hong, 30, usually plans the itinerary for her family's overseas trips. However, her honeymoon was totally arranged by Teo, 35, whom she married in December 2023. 'I have not organised things after being with Nick,' Hong told Lianhe Zaobao on June 18. 'In his eyes, I am a girl who is a little confused and does not know anything.' The actress was speaking to the Chinese-language newspaper during a coffee session with the media for Mediacorp's new TV series The Spirit Hunter. 'I have always been the one in charge of planning at home,' Hong said. 'Perhaps I have someone to rely on after meeting him, so I'm willing to let go and let him do the planning.' Revealing the reason for delaying their honeymoon, she said: 'We took on acting roles at different times, so it just dragged on for a year and a half.' The actress starred in the crime drama Unforgivable (2024), for which she has a Best Actress nomination at the Star Awards on July 6, alongside co-star Jesseca Liu. Meanwhile, Teo acted in pet and marriage drama Furever Yours (2024) and the blockbuster series Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story (2025). Hong told Zaobao that she cannot forget the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, which was chosen as her husband had been looking forward to visiting the country. She recalled that both her agent and actress Jeanette Aw had told her it would not be very cold in Switzerland. Instead, it rained for several days when she and Teo arrived in Switzerland, with the temperature on the mountains dropping to as low as minus 11 deg C. She was saved by Teo's advance planning; he had packed a puffer jacket that kept her warm. On Mother's Day, Hong went public on social media about her miscarriage. She disclosed to Zaobao that she felt relieved after opening up about the heart-breaking incident. With enough time to rest, she said, she has recovered well. The actress recently fell in love with pickleball, and she and Teo would invite friends to enjoy the sport together. 'I felt it was fun and went to learn it,' she said. 'I finally stepped out of the room to play last week. I quite like it and will likely continue to play.' In The Spirit Hunter, which premieres on Channel 8 on July 3, Hong plays an ordinary young woman embarking on a journey to eliminate ghosts and malevolent spirits after receiving a sword. It also stars Ferlyn G, Richie Koh, Tyler Ten and Elvin Ng. Hong will be involved in action scenes again in the new drama, just like in Unforgiven . She does not feel her stamina has improved, though. 'On the contrary, I felt as if I have become weak,' she said. 'It was very tiring filming the fighting scenes and I didn't want to move at all after I was done with them.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
