ITV1 and ITVX’s drama Unforgotten has been recommissioned for a seventh series following the success of series six.

The first episode of the new series, which began airing on ITV1 and STV on 9 February, has consolidated at 6.4 million with a peak viewing of 6.8 million after 7-day viewing. After 14 days of viewing, the first episode peaked at 7.4 million viewers, making it the second highest-performing drama of the last year across all channels.

Unforgotten has also been streamed over 24 million times this year alone on ITVX, 18.3 million streams for the latest series, and 6.3 million streams with viewers watching earlier series.

Series creator and Executive Producer Chris Lang will write the seventh series, which is produced by Mainstreet Pictures, an ITV Studios label, led by CEO Sally Haynes and Managing Director, Guy de Glanville, who are both Executive Producers of the drama. Andy Wilson, who has directed all previous six series, will return to direct series seven and also serves as an Executive Producer.

Commented Chris Lang: “I am so delighted to have been asked to create another series of Unforgotten, and given the opportunity once again to follow Sunny, Jess and their brilliant team, as they attempt to crack another cold case. Unforgotten is a drama that has always asked its audience to lean in, concentrate, and engage with complex ideas, plots and themes, and we are profoundly grateful that such a large and loyal audience continue to enjoy doing exactly that. Roll on series 7!!”

Mainstreet Pictures’ Sally Haynes, CEO, and Guy de Glanville, Managing Director, said: “We are elated about the recommission of Series 7 of Unforgotten. Chris Lang’s scripts are magnificent, compulsive, and heart-rending. It is a real honour and accolade to once again be joined by the wonderful Sanjeev Bhaskar and Sinéad Keenan, who bring it all to life. Our thanks to ITV, BBC Studios and Masterpiece for their trust and support. It is a privilege to be doing this again for our faithful audience.”

Huw Kennair Jones, Drama Commissioner, will oversee the production of series seven on behalf of ITV and ITVX.

Commented Huw Kennair Jones: “Unforgotten is undoubtedly one of the UK’s best loved dramas and we’re thrilled to be returning for series 7. As well as Jess and Sunny, Chris has created a host of brilliant new characters in a totally compelling story. We’re also indebted to Mainstreet Pictures for continuing to deliver such stand out drama with Series 7 promising to be as enthralling as all the others. We can’t wait to share it with the ITV and ITVX audience.”

Unforgotten is distributed internationally by BBC Studios, with series 1-6 available to stream on ITVX and STV Player, and co-produced with Masterpiece.