'Challenging' BBC drama featuring Adolescence star confirms release date

The BBC has unveiled the release date for a chilling new drama featuring a young actor from Adolescence and a star from Line of Duty.

Unforgivable is a gripping original drama penned by Time's scriptwriter Jimmy McGovern, and much like the Sean Bean and Stephen Graham led series Time, it's set within and revolves around the UK prison system.

The plot centres on the fictional Mitchell family, who are left grappling with the devastating aftermath of an act of abuse committed by one of their own.

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After serving two years of his prison sentence, Joe (portrayed by Bobby Schofield) finds himself in an institution that provides him with a home and rehabilitation post-release.

He embarks on therapy sessions in an attempt to comprehend what drove him to commit such a horrific crime, and to confront the repercussions of his actions, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The recently released trailer by the BBC depicts Joe adjusting to life after prison, while his family continue to question the reasons behind his abusive behaviour.

His sister Anne (played by Emmy-award winner Anna Friel) is coping with the impact his crime has had on her family, including her sons Tom (Adolescence actor Austin Haynes) and Peter (Fin McParland), whilst her father Brian (David Threlfall) is livid at the idea of her having been in contact with Joe.

Meanwhile, Line of Duty actress Anna Maxwell Martin portrays a former nun who provides Joe with therapy at the institution as part of his rehabilitation.

The upcoming drama Unforgivable has created quite a buzz with the BBC hinting that it's all about the widespread impact of abuse and the struggle to move beyond its devastation.

"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 corporation teased ahead of the show's anticipated release.

It has now been confirmed that Unforgivable will debut in full on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Thursday 24th July, with the episode airing later that day on BBC Two.

Reacting to the newly-published trailer, as it was shared by Marcella actress Anna on Instagram, one fan wrote: "Can't wait - looks so good."

Another posted: "Ohhhhhhhh wow - I feel a binge watch coming up!!!!!!"

"Gonna be seated to watch this religiously. Congrats on your new project," a third said.

"It's McGovern so looks so gripping already, thanks for sharing," someone else wrote.

Set against the backdrop of Liverpool, where it was filmed, the cast is further bolstered with Mark Womack, Paddy Rowan, and Phina Oruche taking up pivotal supporting roles.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, previously shared an insight into what viewers can expect from the drama, saying: "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 McGovern also said: "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 added: "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."

Unforgivable will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Thursday 24th July, and air on BBC Two at 9pm that evening.