Linslade cold-case murder to feature in ITV documentary The Real Unforgotten

The story behind the 1981 murder of Carol Morgan in Linslade forms a two-part documentary airing on ITV this month.

The Real Unforgotten, a fly-on-the-wall true crime series beginning next Tuesday (18 February) at 9pm on ITV1 & ITVX, delves into the meticulous investigative work of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit on their six-year reinvestigation of Carol’s brutal murder, which took place in the storeroom of the Linslade shop she ran with her husband Allen Morgan.

The Real Unforgotten takes a factual look at real-life cold cases such as those which inspired the acclaimed drama series Unforgotten.

In the documentary, viewers are shown the complexities and challenges faced by the team on the case from its relaunch in 2018. It features in-depth interviews with detectives from the Cold Case team as well as those who knew and loved Carol.

Detective Inspector Rich Stott, who now leads the investigation, said: “The Real Unforgotten will provide a wide audience with a comprehensive look at this unprecedented investigation, the breakthroughs that eventually led to new leads and the challenges we faced when reviewing a case that was over four decades old.

“The documentary highlights key moments taking us up to the trial of Allen Morgan in 2024, such as the re-interviewing of historic witnesses from the original investigation, which played a crucial role in reviving the case.

“Our aim in working on this programme is to raise awareness about the importance of solving cold cases and the profound human stories behind them – it shows that no matter how much time has passed, we will always seek justice for victims like Carol and we will always look for opportunities to investigate unsolved murders."

Malcolm Brinkworth, CEO of Brinkworth Productions who are behind the documentary, said: “Throughout our six years of working together, we have seen diligent and determined work carried out by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime team, who have never given up on the idea that they could get justice for the victims.

"The message that they carry to the local communities and to millions of people around the UK is genuinely inspirational. Authored by the detectives involved, the programmes are powerful, moving and enlightening.

"We hope the story of Carol Morgan’s murder will achieve a major impact, making clear that there is no time limit to justice.”

Catch The Real Unforgotten on ITV1 and ITVX on Tuesday 18 and 25 February at 9pm. Both episodes will be available to stream on ITVX from Tuesday 18 February.

Anyone with information about this case, known as Operation Markdown, can view and submit via the Major Incident Public Portal.