Unforgivable start date, cast, plot and how to watch chilling BBC drama

The BBCis readying to launch a brand new drama that is likely to pull at your heartstrings, given the nature and difficult subject matter at the centre of the harrowing story plot.

Unforgivable, is a powerful new drama penned by the legendary Cracker and Time screenwriter Jimmy McGovern and stars Line of Duty actress Anna Maxwell Martin, Emmy-winner Anna Friel and Adolescence child star Austin Haynes. The drama is set to arrive on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Thursday 24 July, with episodes kicking off on BBC Two, from 9pm that same evening.

What is Unforgivable about?

Set in Liverpool, the production follows the lives of the Mitchell family who have been dealing with the aftermath of grooming and sexual abuse. After serving a two-year jail sentence, Bobby Schofield, the person who committed the disturbing crimes, is released from prison.

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Bobby is ordered to carry out a residential rehabilitation programme upon his release, to understand through therapy what may have led him to conduct such an awful crime.

The series aims to understand all viewpoints and how abuse can impact every single person within a family setting.

"Unforgivable 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," explained the BBC.

Its synopsis reads: "Having served his prison sentence, Joe (Bobby Schofield) arrives at St Maura's, an institution which offers him a home and rehabilitation after his release. With the support of Katherine (Anna Maxwell Martin), an ex-nun, Joe undertakes therapy sessions in the hope of understanding what led him to commit the abuse."

The overview further states: "Simultaneously, his sister, Anna (Anna Friel), is dealing with the enormous impact that Joe's crime has had on her family - her sons, Tom (Austin Haynes) and Peter (Finn McParland), and her father, Brian (David Threlfall)."

Who is in the cast of Unforgivable?

Line of Duty star Anna, plays the role of Katherine, a former nun who is working at the rehabilitation institution as a therapist and supporting Joe.

Anna Friel, of Brookside fame and best known for her role as Beth Jordache on the soap, plays Joe's sister Anna, who is desperately trying to move on with her life while fiercely guarding her two sons.

David Threlfall stars as Anna's angry father, who is furious that she has instigated contact with her brother Joe.

Other members of the star-studded cast include Adolescence actor Austin Haynes, Fin McParland, Mark Womack, Paddy Rowan and Phina Oruche.

With a stellar cast and compelling script, Unforgivable is certainly not going to be a BBC drama you'd want to miss.

Unforgivable will air on BBC Two at 9pm this Thursday and will be available on BBC iPlayer from the same day.