Unforgivable's Anna Friel says 'he became a new friend' as she pays tribute to co-star

Anna Friel is set to grace our screens once more, returning to Liverpool - a city she holds close to her heart after her acting career skyrocketed following her role in the immensely popular British soap opera Brookside, back in 1993. She portrayed Beth Jordache, the first openly lesbian character in a soap, including the iconic kissing scene with Nicola Stephenson, who played Margaret Clemence.

Since then, she has achieved tremendous fame in shows such as Deep Water, Pushing Daisies and even bagged an International Emmy Award for Best Actress for her role in ITV's Marcella. Now, the critically acclaimed actress will join the stellar cast of BBC's potent drama Unforgivable. The new 90-minute series, penned by the talented Cracker screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, sees her step into the shoes of Anna Mitchell.

The plot is set in Liverpool and revolves around the Mitchell family grappling with the harrowing aftermath of grooming and sexual abuse.

Anna's brother Joe, portrayed by Bobby Schofield, is the perpetrator of these heinous crimes and has been released from prison after serving a two-year sentence.

Joining Anna and Bobby, Line of Duty actress Anna Maxwell Martin assumes the role of Katherine, a former nun, who is aiding Joe's rehabilitation through therapy.

Adolescence star Austin Hayes portrays Anna's eldest son, whilst David Threlfall takes on the role of Anna's father, who becomes furious upon discovering she had contacted her abusive brother Joe.

Each character plays a distinct part in illustrating how sexual abuse can send shockwaves throughout an entire family as they struggle to restore some semblance of normality following such a horrific ordeal.

The drama became available on BBC's streaming service this morning at 6am and will broadcast tonight from 9pm on BBC2, with the gripping tale already proving unmissable viewing.

Beyond the launch of this highly anticipated production, Anna Friel has praised her Unforgivable co-stars and revealed what filming was truly like.

Discussing her bond with the stellar cast, she expressed glowing admiration for her fellow performers. Speaking to the BBC, she revealed: "I loved my scenes with David Threlfall, he became a new friend in my life."

The former soap actress continued: "I hadn't met Anna Maxwell Martin before, but I've always thought she's an amazing actress and it was wonderful to find she's an amazing person.

"We didn't have any scenes together apart from in the courtroom, but I'm a big fan. Bobby provides such a complex performance."

Unforgivable will air on BBC Two at 9pm this Thursday and will be available on BBC iPlayer from the same day.