Start date confirmed for Michelle Keegan's new drama The Blame

Since leaving Coronation Street, Michelle Keegan has firmly established herself as a drama favourite, starring in hits such as Our Girl, Tina and Bobby, and most recently, Harlan Coben's Netflix sensation Fool Me Once.

After giving birth to her daughter Palma in 2025, Michelle returned to work for a brand new ITV/STV drama called The Blame, and now the official trailer and start date has been announced.

What is The Blame about?

The Blame is centred around DI Emma Crane and DI Tom Radley investigating a tragic murder in the fictional town of Wakestead. They quickly identify their main suspect, but as the case progresses, an unexpected lead comes to light. As Emma and Tom dig deeper, they uncover web of lies, institutional cover ups and moral compromise, which forces Emma to question the people closest to her.

ITV/STV say of The Blame: 'The drama dives into secrets, suspicion and systemic corruption - all under the surface of this seemingly quiet town.

'The series begins when the body of teenage figure skater Sophie Madsen is discovered, sending shockwaves through the town of Wakestead. As DI Crane (Michelle Keegan) and DI Radley (Douglas Booth) dig deeper, what starts as a tragic death, spirals into a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups, and moral compromise. As the clock ticks and trust fractures, Crane must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team.'

Is there a trailer?

The first trailer was released on Friday 12th June, alongside the caption: 'When a teenager is found dead, a web of corruption begins to unravel. The Blame, starring Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth. Coming soon to ITV'. (sic)

Check it out below:

A second trailer was then released on 23rd August, showing Michelle in action as DI Emma Crane.

Check it out below:

READ MORE: Michelle Keegan is teaming up with Harlan Coben for a new Netflix drama

When is it on TV?

ITV/STV bosses have now confirmed the new series will begin on Sunday 20th September.

In mid-December 2025, Michelle took to social media to confirm filming for the series had wrapped.

Sharing a number of photos from her time filming, she told fans: 'The final week filming The Blame 🎬‘IT’S A WRAP!’ 🎉'.

On 28th July 2026, bosses then shared first look photos from the new series, revealing it would be 'coming soon'. The post read: 'A teen skater is murdered. The truth is anything but simple.

'Here’s a sneak peek at The Blame, starring Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth. Coming soon to ITV'. (sic)

Check out the first look photos below:

Who is the writer?

The Blame has been written and developed for television and executive produced by Megan Gallagher.

Megan said: “The Blame is such an important and urgent story to tell; I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring Charlotte Langley’s world and characters to life on screen. It’s my second collaboration with Quay Street Productions, and it’s great to be working with the team again - I’m truly in the best hands.”

ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, will oversee production of The Blame. She added: “The Blame is a brilliant new crime thriller full of surprising twists and a compelling investigation that also cleverly tackles police corruption, exploitation and misogyny as the thriller unravels. Megan is such a wonderful and clever writer, and with Michelle Keegan in the lead and Nicola Shindler at the helm, this is going to be an unmissable drama and one I’m very proud to have on ITV.”

Is it a book?

Yes! The Blame is based on the debut novel of the same name by Charlotte Langley, which was published in 2023.

What channel is it on?

It will air on ITV1/STV1 and ITVX and STV Player.

Who is in the cast?

Brassic and Fool Me Once actress Michelle Keegan will lead the cast, playing the lead role of DI Emma Crane. She will be joined by The Sandman actor Douglas Booth, who will play the role of DI Tom Radley.

Mr Bates vs. The Post Office star Ian Hart will play DCI Kenneth Walker. Other names that will appear in the new drama include Nathan Mensah, Nigel Boyle and Matilda Freeman.

Check out the full cast list below:

Michelle Keegan as DI Emma Crane

Douglas Booth as DI Tom Radley

Nathan Mensah as DC Lewis

Nigel Boyle as Brett Shergill, digital forensic technician

Joe Armstrong as Kyle Frasier, ice-skating coach

Matilda Freeman as Sophie Madsen

Gavin Spokes as DC Joel Stevens

Josh Bolt as DC Douglas James

Ceallach Spellman as PC Callum Drummond

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about popular actress Michelle Keegan

How many episodes?

The Blame will be made up of six episodes.

Author: Alex Ross

Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.