Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including sexual abuse.
Anna Maxwell Martin's new BBC series has confirmed a July release date, alongside a trailer.
Liverpool-set drama Unforgivable focuses on a family dealing with the "devastating aftermath" of grooming and sexual abuse committed by one of its members.
The broadcaster has now confirmed that the series, which is written by Time's Jimmy McGovern, will debut on BBC Two on Thursday, 24 July at 9pm, and will also be available from 6am that day on BBC iPlayer.
The trailer has also dropped, showcasing the powerful and heavy themes that the drama will explore, as character Joe (Bobby Schofield) – who carried out the act of abuse – crosses paths again with his family after prison release.
Anna Friel's character Anna asks: "How can someone you love be capable of something like that?", while we also see Martin in character as therapist Katherine.
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The show's synopsis reads: "Having served his prison sentence, Joe arrives at St Maura's, an institution which offers him a home and rehabilitation after his release.
"With the support of Katherine, an ex-nun, Joe undertakes therapy sessions in the hope of understanding what led him to commit the abuse and to face up to the consequences."
At the same time, his sister Anna is dealing with the profound impact of Joe's crime on her sons Tom (Austin Haynes) and Peter (Fin McParland), and her father Brian (David Threlfall).
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Unforgivable is set to examine "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 Responder's Mark Womack, Time's Paddy Rowan, and Magpie Murders' Phina Oruche also star.
"I can’t believe the cast and crew that have been assembled for this production," McGovern previously said. "It’s a challenging film, yes, but I can’t wait for it to be shown."
Unforgivable will air on BBC Two on Thursday, 24 July at 9pm, and is also available from 6am that day on BBC iPlayer.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
