Is Unforgivable based on a true story?

Unforgivable, the latest BBC2 drama, has already sparked considerable discussion owing to its deeply sensitive storyline, with the entire feature-length programme focusing on grooming and sexual exploitation. For acclaimed screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, addressing this taboo topic through the distressing drama represents something he believed was essential to explore. He hopes audiences will emerge from the production with fresh insight and understanding they might not have possessed previously.

Jimmy firmly believes that child abusers "should be held to account and also punished for their crimes", telling the BBC he would personally find it "very hard to forgive" if similar harm befell his own family. The new 90-minute series, which unfolds in Liverpool, chronicles the Mitchell family whose lives have been torn apart by the catastrophic impact of sexual abuse.

As a unit, they are now grappling with the consequences and the harsh reality that the offender, Joe, portrayed by Bobby Schofield, is being released from prison following rehabilitation after serving merely a two-year sentence.

Anna Friel takes on the role of Anna Mitchell, Joe's sister but also the frantic mother determined to shield her two children at all costs, with her eldest son brought to life by Adolescence star Austin Hayes.

The anguish ripples throughout the entire family, with David Threlfall delivering a pivotal performance as Anna's father, who becomes furious upon discovering she had contacted her abuser brother Joe. Jimmy, the mastermind behind Unforgivable, set out with a clear objective to give every family member a voice at the table, underscoring the devastating impact and emotional grip that a heinous crime can exert on all those involved.

The adaptation's stark and visceral nature has sparked speculation about whether there's an underlying truth in Jimmy's gripping narrative.

The esteemed writer of Cracker and Time divulged the dark inspiration behind his latest work.

He shared the origins of his motivation, stating: "I received a letter from a woman who works with sex offenders and wanted to speak to me."

Jimmy recounted the eye-opening discussion: "She spoke no holds barred about her job and working with sex abusers. She told me certain facts and figures that are quite unbelievable, so I want people to watch the film and learn things about child abuse. I felt compelled to write about it."

Known for not avoiding difficult subjects, Jimmy has previously tackled themes of abuse in works like Priest and Broken, which echo the serious tone of his current project.

In conversation with the BBC, he articulated his stance on the sensitive subject matter: "I've always been quick to condemn child abusers, as we all are and as we all should be.

"This is not a film that goes easy on child abusers at all. I wanted the audience to hear a few of the things I'd learned. I think we should be ultra cautious whenever we're dealing with abusers. I'm a father and a grandfather, I would find it very hard to forgive somebody who had done that to me or my family."