ITV has announced a new six-part drama, The Blame, a tense and twist-filled crime series set to grip audiences from its very first episode. The project comes from Quay Street Productions (part of ITV Studios) and is written, developed for television, and executive produced by Megan Gallagher (All Her Fault, Wolf).
The drama delves deep into hidden secrets, growing suspicion, and entrenched corruption lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly quiet town. Filming is taking place in and around London for ITV1 and STV, with streaming available via ITVX and STV Player. FIFTH SEASON is on board for global distribution.
A Stellar Cast Michelle Keegan (Fool Me Once, Brassic) takes on the role of DI Emma Crane, with Douglas Booth (The Sandman, The Dirt) as DI Tom Radley and Ian Hart (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, The Last Kingdom) as DCI Kenneth Walker.
The supporting cast includes Nathan Mensah as DC Lewis, Nigel Boyle (Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders) as digital forensic technician Brett Shergill, Joe Armstrong (Gentleman Jack, Black Mirror) as ice-skating coach Kyle Frasier, and Matilda Freeman (How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, Passenger) as Sophie Madsen.
Also appearing as members of the Wakestead Police team are Gavin Spokes (House of the Dragon, Slow Horses) as DC Joel Stevens, Josh Bolt (Masters of the Air, Last Tango in Halifax) as DC Douglas James, and Ceallach Spellman (Cheaters, White Lines) as PC Callum Drummond.
A Chilling Mystery The story begins with the shocking discovery of teenage figure skater Sophie Madsen’s body in Wakestead. DI Crane and DI Radley’s investigation quickly unravels a dangerous web of lies, institutional cover-ups, and moral compromises. As tensions rise and loyalties fracture, Crane faces the dual challenge of solving the murder and navigating the treacherous politics within her own department.
Voices from the Team ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, said:
“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.”
Nicola Shindler and Richard Fee, executive producers for Quay Street Productions, added:
“We are so delighted to be working with Megan again, she is an exceptional writer who has written a compelling series taking viewers on a twisty journey to discover what really happened through the lens of a contemporary police station brimming with secrets, corruption, and betrayal. We are also thrilled at the brilliant cast led by Michelle and Douglas, who will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering who to trust at a time when the themes explored in The Blame are more relevant than ever.”
Lead writer and executive producer Megan Gallagher commented:
“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.”
Production Details The Blame is based on the debut novel of the same name by Charlotte Langley (The Intrusion). The series is produced by Matt Strevens (Capital, Cucumber), with Sara Huxley as co-producer. Episodes 1–3 will be directed by Bex Rycroft (The Crow Girl, Screw), while Claire Tailyour (The Wives, Beyond Paradise) will helm episodes 4–6.
Executive producers include Nicola Shindler (Nolly, It’s A Sin) and Richard Fee (Fool Me Once, Missing You) for Quay Street Productions, with Polly Hill representing ITV. Gallagher serves as lead writer and executive producer, joined by co-writers Ashley Sanders and Namsi Khan.
Filming is scheduled to continue this summer in and around London.