Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar has teased a potential new love interest for DI Sunny Khan as he continues to navigate life after loss and the breakdown of his relationship in ITV’s hit drama Unforgotten. The beloved crime series returns on Sunday (9th February) for its highly anticipated sixth season, with Sunny and DCI Jess James, played by Sinead Keenan, tackling a chilling new case. After a turbulent partnership in the previous season, the duo will begin working more seamlessly together, marking a shift from the initial tensions that followed the tragic death of Sunny’s former colleague, DCI Cassie Stuart, played by Nicola Walker.
But beyond the investigation, viewers will see Sunny take steps toward healing, not just from Cassie’s loss, but also from the heartbreak of his broken engagement to fiancée Sal. One poignant moment in the new series shows Sunny dining alone at a restaurant. While some might see it as a lonely scene, Bhaskar views it as a sign of personal growth. “Gosh, I didn’t have the nerve to do that when I was on my own—table for one and a glass of wine,” Bhaskar admits. “But I think he’s managed his grief over Cassie, and after his relationship didn’t work out, he’s making progress.”.
Sunny is also shown reaching out to his daughters, actively trying to fill his weekends, something Bhaskar believes signals a shift in his character. “In the six months we haven’t seen him, I imagine he wasn’t rushing out to a restaurant the day after his breakup. But now, he’s in a slightly more positive place," he added. As for whether Sunny is ready to embrace romance again, fans will have to wait and see.
A night out with pathologist Dr Leanne Balcombe, played by Georgia Mackenzie, hints at a deeper connection, with Bhaskar teasing: “They were the last two people to see Cassie, so there’s a bond there. She’s been around for a couple of series now… Who knows? Well, I know. But I’m not telling you!”. With Unforgotten returning to screens, viewers can look forward to fresh dynamics, compelling mysteries, and perhaps, a new chapter for DI Sunny Khan.
