Unforgotten star Sinead Keenan has confessed she nearly rejected her role on the ITV smash hit due to one major concern. The beloved series made a comeback on our screens this week, with the actress returning as DCI Jess James. Sinead stepped into the shoes of lead detective in 2023, taking over from Nicola Walker who portrayed DCI Cassie Stuart. But the actress disclosed her initial reluctance to join the show, citing the 'pressure' of succeeding Nicola during her appearance on Monday's (February 10) This Morning, where she joined Sanjeev Bhaskar, who plays DI Sunny Khan.
Host Ben Shephard probed: "Am I right in saying you initially turned down the role because you couldn't see yourself following in the footsteps of Nicola Walker?". Sinead explained: "I would love to think it was a straight offer but it wasn't a straight offer, I've got to be honest. I got a call to say that people on Unforgotten were going to give the script to three actors and I was one of them and could they send me the script," reports the Express.
She conceded: "I thought 'that is so lovely and kind but absolutely not' because Nicola is so brilliant but my agent did an agent thing and convinced me to read it.". Sanjeev cheekily inquired: "Do you know who the other two were? " To which Sinead responded: "I couldn't possibly say.". Sanjeev quipped: "It was Miriam Margolyes." Cat Deeley chimed in with enthusiasm: "Now that is one I would want to see.".
Sinead secured the coveted role of DCI Jess James and stirred up a storm in series 5 where she first appeared, with fans witnessing a fraught dynamic with Sunny initially, as he grappled with Cassie's abrupt demise and getting used to his new boss. On top of that, Jess endured a tumultuous time at home when her hubby embroiled himself in an affair shockingly, with her own sister. During her time on This Morning, Sinead revealed her character's sibling, Debbie, is actually portrayed by her real-life sister, Grainne Keenan.
