Michelle Keegan’s “gripping” ITV police drama with Line of Duty star gets must-see first-look teaser
The first teaser for Michelle Keegan’s new ITV police drama The Blame has landed. The “gripping” new series is based on the book of the same name by Charlotte Langley, and sees the Fool Me Once star play DI Emma Crane, who investigates the murder of a teenage figure skater.
Also featuring Line of Duty‘s Nigel Boyle, The Sandman‘s Douglas Booth and The Responder‘s Ian Hart, the story follows Emma and partner DI Tom Radley as they “quickly identify their main suspect”, though “as the case progresses, an unexpected lead comes to light”.
“As Emma and Tom dig deeper, they uncover a web of lies, institutional cover ups and moral compromise, which forces Emma to question the people closest to her,” the synopsis adds.
ITV
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The teaser gives a tense taste of what’s to come with hints of a police cover-up that could “blow up” the department.
Asked at one point whether she wanted to press further, Emma responds: “I invite you to test me.”
The Blame is further described as “part propulsive mystery, part social commentary, part love story” and “will tackle big questions around policing and will take an unflinching look at who we can really trust”.
The series comes from All Her Fault‘s Megan Gallagher, who called the show “such an important and urgent story to tell”, adding: “I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring Charlotte Langley’s world and characters to life on screen.”
ITV
The Blame was further described as “a brilliant new crime thriller full of surprising twists” by ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill.
Also starring are Gentleman Jack‘s Joe Armstrong, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast‘s Matilda Freeman (who also played the original Summer Spellman in Coronation Street from 2017 to 2020), Slow Horses‘ Gavin Spokes, Masters of the Air‘s Josh Bolt and Cheaters‘ Ceallach Spellman.
Meanwhile, Keegan recently praised the production for how they accommodated her after welcoming a baby last year, explaining at ITV Showcase 2026: “Coming back to work after having a baby is quite daunting. The production were so supportive, and I was so looked after, and it was like working with family.”
The Blame will premiere on ITV1 and ITVX this autumn.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every ‘t’ and dotting every ‘i’ as a sub-editor.
