Unforgivable cast: Who stars in Jimmy McGovern’s BBC drama?

by

This article discusses themes of child sexual abuse that some readers may find upsetting.

After completing the prison drama “Time,” Jimmy McGovern is now focusing on “Unforgivable,” a TV movie that explores the deep and destructive effects of child sexual abuse within a family from Liverpool.

Bobby Schofield portrays a character named Joe, who’s recently out of prison following a term served for mistreating his nephew Tom, and is currently undergoing restoration efforts in a rehabilitation program.

The story delves into the far-reaching consequences of abuse, presenting different viewpoints and offering insight into how individuals cope with the destruction it causes.

The story isn’t based on real events, but after receiving an open and frank letter from a woman who dealt with sex offenders, as McGovern put it, he found himself driven to write it.

He stated, “If they observe, they will gain knowledge.” Regarding individuals who commit such heinous acts as child abusers, I believe it is essential to maintain empathy and understanding.

As a film enthusiast, I firmly believe in the principles of caution, retribution, and justice. The enormity of these crimes demands punishment, and it’s only right that those responsible serve their time in prison. However, it’s crucial to remember the importance of compassion as well. We should strive to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding these events and express equal condemnation for any wrongdoing.

With Schofield, the cast features both recognizable actors as well as some newcomers who may be unfamiliar to you.

Find the full cast rundown below.

Unforgivable cast

  • Austin Haynes as Tom McKinney
  • Bobby Schofield as Joe Mitchell
  • Anna Friel as Anna Mckinney
  • David Threlfall as Brian Mitchell
  • Anna Maxwell Martin as Katherine Farrell
  • Mark Womack as Paul Patterson
  • Finn McParland as Peter Mckinney Jnr
  • Paddy Rowan as Sammy Mcveigh
  • Phina Oruche plays Jodie Taylor

If you’re curious to learn more about the characters and want to know where the performers portraying them have appeared previously, keep reading.

Austin Haynes plays Tom McKinney

Who is Tom McKinney? He was sexually abused by his uncle and “hasn’t spoken since”.

“He will only answer with yes and no,” said Anna Friel.

What else has Austin Haynes been in? His credits include Adolescence and The Power of Parker.

Bobby Schofield plays Joe Mitchell

What can be said about Joe Mitchell? He’s currently undergoing rehabilitation following his release from prison, where he served time for sexually abusing his 12-year-old nephew. It’s worth noting that as a child, he too was a victim of sexual abuse.

Schofield remarked, “He appears to come from a tightly bonded family.” His family held confidence in him, and his actions have significantly altered the harmony within this close-knit group. Essentially, what Joe did has set off a chain reaction that affected the whole family.

Have you seen any other productions that feature Bobby Schofield? Some of his roles include This City Is Ours, SAS Rogue Heroes, The Walk-In, Anne, and The Suspect.

Anna Friel plays Anna Mckinney

Who is Anna McKinney? She is Joe’s sister, also known as Tom’s mother. Friel characterized her as someone who is fiercely protective, slightly stubborn, and extremely dedicated to her work.

She noted that she is keeping her family together, a family that has suffered greatly due to sexual abuse. This unfortunate incident has caused chaos and disrupted the harmony within the whole family structure and dynamics.

Her marriage has ended, her brother is currently incarcerated, and her mother has recently passed away. Despite these challenges, she manages to support her two treasured sons on her own.

Apart from Marcella, Brookside, Pushing Daisies, Deep Water, and Butterfly, Anna Friel has also starred in other productions as well.

David Threlfall plays Brian Mitchell

Who is Brian Mitchell referred to as in this context? He is known as Joe and Anna’s father. As Schofield describes it, the relationship between the characters and their father, Brian Mitchell, evolves throughout the story.

When Brian determines that Joe was a victim of abuse, he discovers there could be a possible connection between his own past abuse and him abusing his nephew.

What other shows or movies has David Threlfall appeared in aside from Shameless? Some of his notable roles are in Nightsleeper, Funny Woman, Passenger, Nowhere Boy, and Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This.

Anna Maxwell Martin plays Katherine Farrell

What is the background of Katherine Farrell? She is a woman who currently oversees housing facilities designed for individuals convicted of sexual offenses as part of their rehabilitation process, having previously served as a nun.

As a fellow cinephile, I’d like to share that she advocates for the reformation of individuals with a past as sex offenders. She truly is a well-rounded, compassionate individual.

Have you ever seen Anna Maxwell Martin in any other roles aside from Motherland, Ludwig, Line of Duty, Until I Kill You, Code 404, Bleak House, Hollington Drive, and The Bletchley Circle? If so, she has also appeared in these productions.

Mark Womack plays Paul Patterson

Who does Brian know as Paul Patterson? Back in his childhood days, he was the coach for Joe’s football team.

Has Mark Womack appeared in any other shows or movies apart from The Responder, Emmerdale, and Murphy’s Law?

Finn McParland plays Peter Mckinney Jnr

Who is Peter McKinney Jr.? He is Anna’s other son, who has not personally suffered abuse, but has been affected by the events that have transpired with his brother.

Schofield mentioned that he seems to be overlooked since everything revolves around Tom,” said Joe’s situation has indirectly affected his family.

What else has Finn McParland been in? This appears to be his first major role.

Paddy Rowan plays Sammy Mcveigh

Who is Sammy Mcveigh? He used to play football with Joe when they were boys.

What else has Paddy Rowan been in? His credits include The Bay, Little Boy Blue and G’Wed.

Phina Oruche plays Jodie Taylor

Who is the person that Brian had an affair with, known as Jodie? Following the death of his spouse, she expresses a desire to carry on their relationship, yet Brian grapples with feelings of guilt over it.

What else has Phina Oruche been in? You might know her from Hollyoaks.

Additional Unforgivable cast includes:

  • Annette Kate Ekblom (Brookside) plays Sheila Mitchell – Brian’s late wife.
  • Ash Tandon (The Bay) plays Roger McGinn – the headmaster at Tom and Peter’s school.
  • John May (This City Is Ours) plays Jack Hargreaves – Joe’s probation officer.
  • Jonas Armstrong (After the Flood, The Bay) plays Peter McKinney Sr – Anna’s ex.
  • Natasha Lucia Rea (Emmerdale) plays Anna’s boss.
  • Martyn Ellis (The New Adventures of Robin Hood) plays Reverend Matthew.
  • Nadia Kamalli (G’wed) plays Hannah Mcveigh – Sammy’s partner.
  • Ryan McKen (Temple, Bancroft) plays Dr Richard Harding.

For those who may be impacted by this tale, help and guidance are available through the NSPCC’s website. Additionally, you can reach them via their helpline at 0808 800 5000.

The unforgettable program is set to debut on BBC iPlayer at 6 in the morning on July 24th. Then, it will be broadcasted on BBC Two starting from 9 pm that same evening.

Don’t forget to include ‘Unforgivable’ in your list on the TopMob: Recommended Shows app – grab it today for daily suggestions, highlights, and additional content!

Read More

2025-07-24 14:44