The six-part series adapts Charlotte Langley's novel, exploring themes of misogyny and corruption
Category: Arts & Culture
ITV’s new crime drama The Blame premiered on September 20, 2026, featuring Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth in lead roles. The series is based on the novel of the same name by Charlotte Langley, published in autumn 2023. The adaptation marks Keegan’s return to ITV after a long absence, as she takes on the role of DI Emma Crane, with Booth portraying DI Tom Radley.
The show follows the investigative duo from Wakestead Police Station as they probe the mysterious death of a teenage figure skater. As they dig into the case, they encounter a tangled web of secrets, suspicion, and systemic corruption lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly quiet town.
Keegan expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, "I read the script... it just got me hooked to the end. I was like, 'This is a project I definitely want to be on board with!'" She described her character as a strong female in a male-dominated environment, emphasizing the importance of representation on screen. "We love to see it, and there’s not enough of it on screen," she added, highlighting her excitement for the opportunity.
Mark Wright, Keegan's husband, publicly supported her return to ITV, sharing a photo of their TV during the first episode's airing. He humorously recounted how he tries to help her rehearse her lines, often getting too enthusiastic and distracting her during emotional scenes. "Once right, there was an emotional scene, and I was playing the other emotional character and I started going, '[Puts on crying voice] Well, listen, you can't say it like that!' And she was like, 'What are you doing? You're throwing me!'" he recalled.
The adaptation of The Blame showcases the evolution of Langley’s work from a manuscript to a television series. Langley sold the rights to her book about four years ago when she was just 26 years old and had recently joined The Telegraph as a reporter. The manuscript was still unpublished at that time, but her agent, Kate Nash, believed it had great potential for television.
The production company Quay Street, led by renowned producer Nicola Shindler, optioned the book. Shindler is known for her work on successful series such as Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley. After a two-year wait following the book's publication, ITV greenlit the series, a milestone moment for Langley, who recalled, "I couldn’t believe it. Looking back, I don’t think it felt real until Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth were announced for the lead roles."
In developing the series, the production team sought to maintain the essence of the novel, which tackles issues of misogyny within the police force. Langley initially conceived the story as a mystery about an officer implicated in a crime, but over time, she integrated themes of sexual harassment and assault, influenced by the #MeToo movement. She noted, "It was only after I’d finished the book that Sarah Everard was killed. Her murder blew open a national conversation about policing and women’s safety in the UK."
As the book went through edits, Langley intensified the portrayal of toxic workplace culture, responding to societal issues that had become increasingly relevant. The screenwriter, Megan Gallagher, incorporated real-life incidents and messages exchanged among police officers, enhancing the narrative's depth and relevance. David Brown from Radio Times remarked that the series felt like a "first real TV reckoning we’ve had in the UK with the current crisis of confidence in policing."
With the series now airing, viewers can expect a six-part exploration of the investigation that uncovers layers of deception and moral compromise. The first episode sets the tone for what will likely be a gripping narrative, and the public's reception will be closely monitored as the series progresses. Langley’s adaptation has already sparked conversations about its themes, positioning it as a timely commentary on contemporary issues within law enforcement.
Keegan's portrayal of DI Emma Crane is anticipated to resonate with audiences, especially as she navigates a predominantly male environment. Her character's strength and resilience are expected to inspire discussions about gender representation in media. As the series continues, viewers will witness the unraveling of the mystery surrounding the teenage skater's death, with each episode likely to reveal more about the systemic issues at play.
As for Langley, she continues to balance her career as a journalist and novelist, having recently published her third book. She remarked on the challenges of writing fiction alongside her professional commitments, stating, "If you have a novel in you, I would say don’t hold out for a point in your life when you think you’ll have tons of free time. That point might never come." As The Blame airs on ITV, it stands as a testimony to the potential of storytelling that resonates with both personal and societal narratives.