unforgotten2_episode1_04

“I was very nervous.

“You hope we can serve it as well second time round.

“But actually three or four days in it felt really good to be back playing her.”

Nicola Walker talking to me about returning to the role of DCI Cassie Stuart in the second series of Unforgotten.

Teaming up again with Sanjeev Bhaskar, as DI Sunil ‘Sunny’ Khan, for a new six-part story starting on ITV at 9pm this Thursday (Jan 5).

The acclaimed first series was followed by a BAFTA Best Supporting Actor Award for Tom Courtenay’s portrayal of Eric Slater.

The 2017 series, again written by Chris Lang and directed by Andy Wilson, includes a new cast of ‘suspects’.

With some unexpected twists along the way sure to provoke debate among viewers.

Beautifully acted by all involved – not least Nicola and Sanjeev.

UNFORGOTTEN_EP1_10 500

“HOW do you live when you have done something in your past that you have to completely bury?

“How do you present this alternative face and personality that you then believe is real? You re-write your history.

“When something awful has happened, how do you live?”

Nicola Walker talking to me about new six-part puzzle Unforgotten.

It starts on ITV at 9pm this Thursday (October 8) and is one of the best dramas I have seen in 2015.

The first production from Mainstreet Pictures, the independent drama company set up by Sally Haynes and Laura Mackie.

Unforgotten stars Nicola as DCI Cassie Stuart and Sanjeev Bhaskar as DS Sunil Khan.

Investigating the murder of a young man dating back almost 40 years to 1976.

Bailey & Scott.
Bailey & Scott.

SCOTT & Bailey series three begins on ITV at 9pm this Wednesday.

I’ve seen the first four episodes (of eight in total) and all involved have raised the bar once again.

For what it’s worth, I think it’s the best series yet.

It was my pleasure to carry out the cast interviews for ITV’s Production Notes / Press Pack.

Lesley Sharp and Suranne Jones as Scott & Bailey.

IT was acclaimed as one of the best drama series of last year.

Becoming the highest rated new British TV drama of 2011 with 9.4 million viewers.

And returns next week for a second series, this time of eight episodes.

I’m pleased to report that Scott & Bailey 2012 is on fine form with an extra spring in its step.

Not least thanks to the performances of leading ladies Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp.

Plus Amelia Bullmore as their boss Gill Murray.

(Spoiler alert: Do not read further if you have yet to watch the final episode)

“HARRY Pearce…”

The poignant last ever episode of Spooks has just finished.

There will be no more.

Nicola Walker summed up my feelings in an interview this week when she said:

“The storyline for this last series is the right ending for the show.

“I don’t know if it’s going to please everybody but it’s a very clever and grown up end point.”

Peter Firth's final hour as Harry Pearce.

“YOU and I, we’re made of secrets.”

Ruth Evershed and Harry Pearce face the final curtain together.

Standing by a familiar estuary as we hold our breath to see what will happen.

Spooks series 10, last ever episode.

The Grid: Class of 2011

HARRY and Ruth are sitting together on a park bench.

Ruth: “Do you know what it’s like to feel something for someone and then one day realise you don’t even know them?”

Harry: “You do know me. You know all the important things.”

Spooks series 10, episode four.

In which we learn battle-weary Sir Harry has so many more secrets.