Michelle Keegan has withdrawn from a significant upcoming ITV drama, opting to prioritize time with her family over a demanding filming schedule. The role, which would have seen Keegan portray a working-class barrister, was a notable commitment after her recent Netflix project, 'The Woods.'
Sources close to the production described the decision as a "huge blow," particularly as Keegan had verbally committed to the project a few months prior, with filming dates tentatively agreed upon. However, she ultimately withdrew before formally signing a contract. The intensive filming hours and the project's immediate start following her previous work were cited as key reasons for her inability to commit.
Keegan, 39, shares 18-month-old daughter Palma with husband Mark Wright. A source indicated that while Keegan was enthusiastic about the role, the prospect of being away from Palma for extended periods due to the project's rigorous schedule was a primary concern. "She is dedicated to her acting career, but like all working mums has to prioritise being there for her family, juggling work, parenting and being present for Palma," the source stated.
Jodie Whittaker, 44, is expected to replace Keegan in the role. This decision comes after Keegan previously spoke about the challenges of returning to work after becoming a mother. Earlier this year, she described returning to the set of the drama series 'The Blame' as "daunting," but noted the production team's support.
Keegan has also been open about navigating public scrutiny regarding her family planning. She previously discussed the intense speculation surrounding her and Wright's timeline for starting a family, which led her to set boundaries on discussing personal matters publicly. "I'm going to be 38 this year and, as I've got older, I feel more confident about my boundaries," she stated last year.