ITV has dropped a tense first look at its upcoming crime thriller, The Blame, starring Michelle Keegan (Fool Me Once) and Douglas Booth (The Sandman).

A must-watch for Line of Duty fans, the six-part drama dives deep into “secrets, suspicion, and systemic corruption” as a determined police duo investigates the murder of a 16-year-old girl in the quiet town of Wakestead.

two actors holding clapperboard© Quay Street Productions / Instagram
Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth behind the scenes of The Blame

The gripping teaser opens with a shocking revelation from DI Emma Crane (Keegan): “Sophie was with a police officer when she was killed.” Her partner, DI Tom Radley (Booth), immediately warns: “This will blow up our department.”

The clip also introduces Ian Hart as DCI Kenneth Walker, who appears to clash with Crane. “Are you sure you want to do this?” he asks, to which she responds: “I invite you to test me.”

Michelle Keegan behind the scenes of The Blame© @michkeegan/Instagram
Michelle pictured filming The Blame

Brought to screens by Manchester’s Quay Street Productions – the team behind The Stolen Girl and various Harlan Coben adaptations – and written by Megan Gallagher (All Her Fault, Wolf), The Blame promises a compelling, high-stakes mystery.

Intrigued? Find out more below…

What is The Blame about?

Billed as a “gripping new series set to have audiences on the edge of their seats,” the series follows DI Emma Crane and DI Tom Radley as they investigate the tragic murder of a 16-year-old girl in the town of Wakestead.

The synopsis continues: “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.

Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth attend the ITV Showcase 2026 at The Design Museum on April 23, 2026 in London, England© WireImage
Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth star as DI Emma Crane and DI Tom Radley

“Part propulsive mystery, part social commentary, part love story, The Blame will tackle big questions around policing and will take an unflinching look at who we can really trust.”

Who stars in The Blame?

Starring alongside Michelle, Douglas and Ian in the drama are including 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.

Ian Hart at the Marlowe premiere © Getty
Ian Hart also stars in the show

Other cast members include Gavin Spokes (House of the Dragon, Slow Horses), Josh Bolt (Masters of the Air, Last Tango in Halifax) and Ceallach Spellman (Cheaters, White Lines), who play DC Joel Stevens, DC Douglas James and PC Callum Drummond.

How to watch The Blame

The Blame will arrive on ITV this autumn.

SOURCE: HELLO MAGAZINE