Michelle Keegan has withdrawn from a major ITV drama to focus on her family.
The actress – who shares 18-month-old daughter Palma with husband Mark Wright – was due to play a working-class lawyer in the new series, but pulled out just months before filming was due to start, and will be replaced by Jodie Whittaker44.
Insiders described the decision as a ‘huge blow’ as Michelle, 39, committed to the project a few months ago and a filming date was agreed, but she dropped out before signing a contract.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Michelle was keen to take on the meaty role but the tough filming schedule would keep her away from daughter Palma for too long.
‘They were quite intensive hours and the project started right after her Netflix drama The Woods and she just couldn’t commit.
“She is committed to her acting career, but like all working mothers, she must prioritize her family, balance work, parenthood and be present for Palma.”
Michelle Keegan has pulled out of a major ITV drama to focus on her family (Michelle pictured during a shoot last month)
The actress shares 18-month-old daughter Palma with husband Mark Wright
The Brassic star recently admitted it was ‘daunting’ returning to work for the first time after having Palma.
Speaking about drama series The Blame earlier this year, she said: ‘Coming back to work after having a baby is quite intimidating.
“But the production was so supportive and I was so well looked after, it was like working with my family.”
Michelle previously spoke about struggling under the criticism she and Mark faced over their plans to start a family, as she didn’t become pregnant until ten years after their wedding.
Michelle’s most recent project was The Blame with Douglas Booth
She will be replaced by Jodie Whittaker
She told Grazia magazine last year: ‘Around the time we got married, I was open about wanting to start a family…
‘But because we didn’t choose to have children within a certain time frame, there was a lot of speculation.
‘And we can handle that, but at a certain point there was a story every week. My family asked me about it, so I made the decision not to talk about that side of my life publicly.
‘I’m turning 38 this year and as I get older, I feel more confident about my limits.’
