Michelle Keegan’s The Blame pulls in 5.3 million viewers

Michelle Keegan’s new ITV thriller The Blame has averaged 5.3 million viewers across its first two episodes. The six-part series stars Keegan alongside Douglas Booth in a murder investigation that turns suspicion back on the police themselves.

The Fool Me Once and Brassic actress plays detective inspector Emma Crane, with Booth appearing as fellow detective inspector Tom Radley. Their investigation begins following the death of teenage figure skater Sophie Madsen in the fictional town of Wakestead.

What initially appears to be a murder case soon exposes secrets, corruption and cover-ups. As Emma searches for answers, she must also confront problems within her own team and question whether the people closest to her can be trusted.

The supporting cast includes Ian Hart as detective chief inspector Kenneth Walker and Line of Duty actor Nigel Boyle as digital forensic technician Brett Shergill. Matilda Freeman plays Sophie, with Nathan Mensah, Joe Armstrong and Ceallach Spellman also appearing.

The Blame is based on Charlotte Langley’s novel and has been adapted for television by Megan Gallagher, whose credits include Wolf and All Her Fault. Quay Street Productions makes the series, with Nicola Shindler and Richard Fee among its executive producers.

Viewers do not have to wait for the remaining television broadcasts to discover how the investigation unfolds. All six episodes are available to stream on ITVX.