Michelle Keegan has said it was a 'privilege' to have been a part of her latest TV drama, The Blame, after it was revealed that the twisty crime series has broken a record for ITV so far this year.
The actress, who was born in Stockport, has been seen leading the network's Sunday night drama over the past few weeks, alongside The Sandman and The Dirt star Douglas Booth. The six-part series is based on the 2023 thriller of the same name by author Charlotte Langley.
Return to ITV
Michelle took on the role of DI Emma Crane, while her co-star portrays DI Tom Radley. The duo investigate the death of a teenage figure skater, as the series "dives into secrets, suspicion and systemic corruption - all under the surface of a seemingly quiet town".
Her role in The Blame marked Michelle's return to ITV for the first time since 2017, after she shot to fame as Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street, which is filmed in Salford, where the former soap star grew up, back in 2008.
Fans demand more episodes
Since the series ended on Sunday (October 4), viewers have been flocking to social media to demand more episodes after it ended on a cliffhanger. @mishybabez_ said: "All the episodes of The Blame was incredible! I want another series Michelle Keegan was outstanding #TheBlame @ITV." @Ian38711310 asked: "Can there be a second series if there isn't a second book? #theblame."
@IanMullock1 wrote: "#TheBlame Binge watched this really good drama. Opened my eyes to the misogyny women have to endure. Hope there is a second series." @Whitech59311566 posted: "Omg I loved every minute of #TheBlame I knew along it was ur man that killed Sophie Madison. I hope they make another series of it #TheBlame." @Matt_Hayle added: "What an ending; I didn't see it coming. I hope there is a series 2 #TheBlame."
Record-breaking streaming figures
It may come as no surprise that The Blame has become the UK's biggest new drama across any channel or streaming platform so far in 2026, as ITVX revealed a record-breaking run of streaming figures for September. According to figures shared by ITV, The Blame is tracking as the year's biggest new drama launch, based on 14 days of viewing.
According to Radio Times, the series, which started on ITV but was also released on ITVX in full on September 20, was the platform's top title of the month, with the launch episode averaging 6.6 million viewers so far and viewing continuing to rise.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Michelle said: "So so grateful. Thank you to everyone who's watched the show and for all your lovely messages [heart emoji]." She then shared a group photo from filming and added to her millions of followers: "I wish this was a photo of the full team - I know there are a few faces missing, but I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to every single person who worked tirelessly for months on this production."
She added: "It was an absolute privilege to be part of a show that not only entertains, but shines a light on a subject that really matters."
