In late 2022, during my last encounter with Sinéad Keenan, she appeared anxious. She had witnessed DCI Cassie Stuart’s fatal car crash in the final episode of Unforgotten’s fourth season, like many others, and was taken aback when her agent proposed the idea of her taking on the role of the new DCI within the show.
Her first reaction, however absurd it may seem, was, “Stop being preposterous! It takes a fool to mimic Nicola Walker!” Yet, her curiosity piqued, and she realized refusing would make her appear equally foolish.
It transpired that Keenan was an ideal fit for portraying DCI Jessica ‘Jess’ James. With her previous roles as a werewolf in Being Human, a grieving mother in Little Boy Blue (2017), and a DI in Showtrial Season 1, she showcased the versatility required to embody the character. Her acting abilities, particularly her capacity for empathy, align perfectly with Chris Lang’s expectations as creator/writer of Unforgotten.
Initially, her first day didn’t turn out smoothly. Just minutes before she was scheduled to begin her new role, she received news that her husband was unfaithful. Moreover, her professional bond with DI Sunil ‘Sunny’ Khan, portrayed exceptionally by Sanjeev Bhaskar, initially seemed strained at best.
As we gear up for the broadcast of season 6, I find myself transformed: more laid-back, talkative, even a touch goofy, but all in good fun. (Keenan being 47 years old.)
Watching series five was quite a nerve-wracking experience for me since I couldn’t help but wonder if I might have inadvertently messed up Unforgotten. However, I was overjoyed when they invited me back again! It certainly made things easier this time around. After all, I wasn’t the newcomer anymore, and it felt great – truly fantastic.
The show discusses various significant topics, such as Brexit among others. Given that Keenan hails from Dublin, it seems plausible he identifies with being European.
She declares confidently, “I’m from Europe.” Expressing her personal opinion, she prefers the UK to be within rather than without. Her sons, aged nine and a half, possess Irish passports, making them quite fortunate.
Although her sons can roam freely within the EU, they’re far too young to catch their mom solving mysteries on TV – instead, a series unfolds around the discovery of human remains in the fictional Whitney Marsh. “They’re definitely not tuning in! They’ve watched me read bedtime stories on CBeebies, but it left them indifferent. However, they did show some interest when I appeared in two episodes of Doctor Who during David Tennant’s tenure.
Fortunately, Lang composes exceptional scripts that are provided to actors for an entire six-episode series in advance, a rare privilege. Additionally, the filming days aren’t excessively lengthy due to his impeccable organization. It goes without saying that acting alongside such talented individuals like Victoria Hamilton and MyAnna Buring is a joy – one can hardly avoid feeling starstruck.
I was wondering if you’ve had any recent contact with Nicola Walker since she moved into her TV office. Keenan shook her head. “I had a short stint working with her on Being Human, so she might not recall me. I imagine she no longer watches Unforgotten now that she’s no longer part of the cast.
Born into a family with an outgoing younger sibling pair, Keenan found herself steered towards the study of law by her parents. However, her interest shifted dramatically when she was chosen at age 15 to portray Eliza Doolittle in a school production of My Fair Lady, sparking a fascination with acting.
Her parents have become supportive of their daughter’s thriving acting career, even though the television production industry is currently in a turbulent state. Yet, despite the ongoing struggles of the UK film and TV workforce due to the aftermath of the Hollywood strikes in 2023 and the rise of streaming platforms, Keenan has enjoyed a smooth journey from one successful project to another.
She concurs that the television landscape is undergoing changes. Fortunately, she’s had a fortunate streak – wrapping up Unforgotten and immediately moving on to How to Get to Heaven, a series set in Belfast penned by Lisa McGee, who’s also behind Derry Girls, for Netflix.
In that show, Keenan is joined by Róisín Gallagher, known for her role in The Dry, and Caoilfhionn Dunne, previously seen in Industry, forming a group of three friends in their mid-thirties who reunite following the demise of another friend.
I’m rather tight-lipped about the details, but let me tell you, it was absolutely wild! Quite the opposite of Unforgotten, yet incredibly entertaining. There were car chases and explosions involving water tanks. At one point, I found myself hanging upside down inside a car, reminding myself that they wouldn’t actually allow me to perish. If someone suggested a harmless bungee jump for fun, my response would be, ‘No way!’ I’d only consider it if there was a camera rolling!
Given what she mentioned, she’s more tranquil and understated compared to others. The reason it’s still a hit is because of its outstanding script, careful casting choices, and our shared love for resolving issues. So, if another series comes my way, would I be interested? “I think I’d enjoy spending time with Sanjeev Bhaskar again. If there’s another chance, let’s go for it!
A knock sounds on the door: Here’s Bhaskar for his interview. They exchange smiles, share a warm embrace, and it seems as though it’s been ages since Cassie Stuart last visited.
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2025-02-04 03:47