Michel Keegan and Joanna Sales to Star in ITV’s New Crime Thriller ‘Blame’
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ITV is set to captivate audiences with its upcoming six-part drama, Blame, starring acclaimed actors Michel Keegan (Once to fool Me) and Joanna Sales (Worried About a Boy).This gripping new series promises a compelling blend of mystery, suspense, and a sharp exploration of institutional corruption.
A Twisted Tale of Lies and Cover-Ups
Blame centers around the shocking discovery of a young figure skater’s body, sending ripples of unease through the city. Detectives Emma Crane, played by Keegan, and Tom Radley, portrayed by Sales, are tasked with unraveling the truth behind the tragedy. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a complex web of deceit, institutional cover-ups, and compromised morals.
The series, based on Charlotte Langley’s debut novel of the same name, isn’t just a whodunnit; it’s a nuanced exploration of the dark undercurrents within seemingly respectable institutions. Expect twists, turns, and a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.
stellar Cast and Creative Team
Alongside Keegan and Sales, Blame boasts a talented ensemble cast including:
Nathan Mensah
Nigel Boyle (Line of Duty, peaky Blinders)
Joe Armstrong (Gentleman jack, Black Mirror)
Matilda Freeman (How to Get Into Heaven From Belfast, Passenger)
Fasting the Sticks (Dragon House, Slow horses)
Josh Bolt (Airmen, Last Tango in Halifax)
Huncketcly Hungue of Spellman (Cheaters, White Lines)
The series is helmed by Quay Avenue Productions (part of ITV Studios), with matt Strevens (Capital, Cucumber) serving as series producer and Sara Huxley as co-producer. The Fifth Season will handle international sales.Directing duties are shared between Bex Rycroft (Crow Girl, Screw) for episodes 1-3 and Claire In Tilei (Wives Outside of Paradise) for episodes 4-6.
Nicola Shindler (Stroller, It’s a Sin) and Richard Payment (Once to Fool Me, You Are Missing) lead Quay Avenue as CEOs, while Polly Hill is the ITV CEO. Megan Gallagher, the creator and lead writer, developed the TV series alongside co-writers Ashley Sanders and Namsi Khan.
Building on Success: Michel Keegan’s Rising Star Power
This role marks another notable step in Michel Keegan’s burgeoning career. She recently captivated audiences in Harlan Coben’s Once to Fool Me, a Netflix original drama that became one of the platform’s biggest hits in the first half of 2024. The series topped the charts, surpassing popular shows like bridgerton and Baby Reindeer.
Keegan’s proven ability to draw viewers in, combined with Sales’ established talent, positions Blame as a must-watch television event.
ITV’s Vision for a Compelling Crime thriller
Polly Hill, ITV’s Director of Drama, describes Blame as “a brilliant young crime thriller full of amazing twists and persuasive investigations that also wisely address police corruption, operation and misogyny when the thriller was different.” She praised Megan Gallagher’s writing and expressed excitement about the collaboration with Michel Keegan, stating, “I’m very proud to be bringing this to ITV.”
When and Where to Watch
Filming for Blame* is scheduled to begin this summer in and around London. While a specific release date hasn’t been announced, viewers can expect the six-part series to air on ITV and perhaps be available for streaming on ITVX. Keep an eye out for further updates on this highly anticipated drama.
