Actress Michelle Keegan was set to star in a new ITV drama as a working-class barrister, a legal professional who represents clients in court. The show, written by Steve Thompson, the creator of Sherlock, was scheduled to begin filming in November. However, production has been disrupted after Keegan decided not to take on the role. Keegan, known for her roles in Coronation Street, Our Girl, and Brassic, had not officially signed a contract for the project. According to reports, she changed her mind due to a desire to focus on her family, especially her young daughter, Palma, who was born last year. A source mentioned that while Keegan was interested in the role, she was concerned the demanding filming schedule would conflict with her family responsibilities. The Sun newspaper reported that Jodie Whittaker, best known for her role as the first female Doctor in Doctor Who, has been brought in to take over Keegan’s role. However, a spokesperson for Keegan clarified that while initial discussions took place, no formal agreement was reached, making it inaccurate to claim she withdrew from the project. Keegan, who married DJ Mark Wright in 2015, has been managing her career alongside her family life. She is currently appearing in ITV’s upcoming crime thriller The Blame and is also filming a second Netflix drama, The Woods, written by Harlan Coben. The series follows a man searching for answers after his sister disappears from a summer camp and a body is later found. Keegan previously starred in Fool Me Once, the first Netflix series based on Coben’s novels. Keegan has spoken about the challenges of returning to work after becoming a mother, calling it “daunting.” However, she has praised the support she received while filming The Blame, describing the experience as working with “family.” ITV has not yet officially commented on the changes to the production.