Michelle Keegan's triumphant return to television has hit a devastating roadblock as Netflix unexpectedly pulled the plug on her hit series 'Fool Me Once' after just one spectacular season.
From Record-Breaking Success to Sudden Cancellation
The Manchester-born actress, who captivated audiences with her portrayal of Maya Stern in the Harlan Coben adaptation, now faces professional uncertainty despite the show's remarkable performance. 'Fool Me Once' skyrocketed to the top of Netflix's charts globally, amassing a staggering 6.3 million views in its first week alone and maintaining its position in the top ten for seven consecutive weeks.
Industry insiders are baffled by the streaming giant's decision, particularly given the show's undeniable popularity and critical acclaim for Keegan's performance.
Joanna Lumley's Departure Deals Final Blow
Compounding the disappointment is the confirmed exit of national treasure Joanna Lumley, who played Judith Burkett in the first season. The Absolutely Fabulous star's departure effectively eliminates any possibility of continuing the storyline, leaving fans and production teams scrambling.
'The absence of Lumley's character creates a narrative void that simply cannot be filled,' revealed a production source close to the show. 'Her chemistry with Michelle was electric, and without that dynamic, continuing the story makes little creative sense.'
What's Next for Michelle Keegan?
The cancellation comes at a pivotal moment in Keegan's career, following her departure from BBC's 'Our Girl' in 2020. While she continues to appear in Sky's comedy 'Brassic,' the Netflix role represented her most significant dramatic vehicle since leaving military drama behind.
Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage, with many calling Netflix's decision 'short-sighted' and 'devastating for British television.' The show's cliffhanger ending will now remain permanently unresolved, adding to viewer frustration.
As the streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive, even proven hits like 'Fool Me Once' aren't safe from the axe, leaving actors and production companies in a constant state of uncertainty about their next projects.
