The ITV drama airs later this year, and is full of "unexpected twists and a riveting mystery".11:46, 28 Jul 2026ITV has just dropped a first-look at a gripping new crime drama.‌Starring Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth, The Blame is set to air later this year.‌“The drama dives into secrets, suspicion and systemic corruption - all under the surface of this seemingly quiet town, ITV teased.‌Based on Charlotte Langley’s novel of the same name, Michelle stars as DI Emma Crane and Douglas as DI Tom Radley, as they dig deeper into a tragic death.After it sends shockwaves through the town of Wakestead, secrets begin to emerge, with the murder inquiry soon spiralling into a tangled web of lives, institutional cover-ups and moral compromise.‌ITV goes on to hint at a series full of “unexpected twists and a riveting mystery,” as the synopsis goes on: “As the clock ticks and trust fractures, Crane must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team.”The cast also includes Ian Hart as DCI Kenneth Walker, Nathan Mensah as DC Lewis Brimah, Line of Duty’s Nigel Boyle as digital forensic technician Neil Shergill, Gentleman Jack’s Joe Armstrong as ice-skating coach Kyle Frasier, and Matilda Freeman as Sophie MadsenCompleting the cast are Slow Horses star Gavin Spokes, The Last Tango in Halifax actor Josh Bolt and White Lines star Ceallach Spellman, who form part of the Wakestead Police team as DC Joel Stevens, DC Douglas James and PC Callum Drummond.‌The upcoming drama sees Matt Strevens as series producer, Sara Huxley as co-producer, The Crow Girl’s Bex Rycroft as director for the first three episodes and Beyond Paradise’s Claire Tailyour for the final three.As further details about the drama have emerged, ITV has dropped a first-look at Michelle and Douglas in action, and of the developing mystery.‌ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, previously commented: “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, said: “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, added: “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.Article continues below“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.”The Blame airs on ITV later this year.