Unforgotten cast: who are ITV actors and who has left the show over the years

• Unforgotten returns to ITV for its sixth series tonight.
• The team will tackle new cold-cases in the first episodes since 2023.
• But which actors are returning for the ITV drama?

Unforgotten is returning to ITV tonight to solve more cold-cases. The acclaimed drama returns for the first time in two years - but has the cast changed much?

Since its debut back in 2015 it has seen a few key changes - while some of the actors have remained throughout. The start time and first hint at the plots have been confirmed by ITV.

Its return to ITV comes after the conclusion of Martin Clunes’ drug drama Out There. While Playing Nice has also led the broadcaster’s blockbuster start to 2025.

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Who is in the cast for Unforgotten series six?

Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sinéad Keenan are returning as the main duo for the latest season of Unforgotten. The show aired its first season back in 2015 and was last seen on our screens in 2023.

The main cast is as follows, via Radio Times:

• Sanjeev Bhaskar - DI Sunny Khan
• Sinéad Keenan - DCI Jessica 'Jessie' James
• Jordan Long - DS Murray Boulting
• Carolina Main - DS Fran Lingley
• Pippa Nixon - DC Karen Willets
• Georgia Mackenzie - pathologist Dr Leanne Balcombe
• Andrew Lancel - Jessie’s husband Steve
• Kate Robbins - Jessie’s mother Kate

Who is joining the Unforgotten cast for series six?

As well as the returning members of the cast, there will be plenty of new faces. Just Good Friends actor Jan Francis is joining the cast for series six, alongside Damien Molony - of Being Human and Ripper Street fame.

MyAnna Buring will portray outspoken television commentator Melinda Ricci, Max Fairley is playing Martin 'Marty' Baines - an autistic man who lives with his mother in Kent. Elham Elas will play Asif Syed, an Afghan studying for his UK citizenship test, and Victoria Hamilton will play history lecturer Juliet Cooper.

Which actors have left Unforgotten over the years?

The ITV drama has seen some turn over of cast - from of course the guest actors who appear in specific storylines and seasons. But also the main duo has seen a significant change in recent seasons.

Nicola Walker originally starred as DCI Cassandra 'Cassie' Stuart in the first four seasons, before leaving the show. She was replaced by Sinéad Keenan in series five.

Also leaving the show after series four was Lewis Reeves, who played DC Jake Collier, Peter Egan, who played Martin Hughes, DCI Stuart's father and Jassa Ahluwalia - who was Adam Stuart, DCI Stuart's son.

Alastair MacKenzie joined the cast in series three as ex-DCI John Bentley, who later became Cassie’s partner. He also departed the show after series four.

Find out what happened at the end of Out There - and if it will return for a new series. See who swapped the babies in Plating Nice.