Michelle Keegan's New Crime Drama Has a Surprise Link to Agatha Christie Fans

British TV is buzzing again with the premiere of ITV's latest thriller, The Blame, and while Zambian viewers may be tuning in for the drama, there's a family connection that adds extra spice to the story. The show, which kicked off tonight, stars Michelle Keegan in her first detective role as DI Emma Crane, a tough cop investigating the death of a teenage figure skater in a quiet seaside town.

Keegan is joined by Hollywood actor Douglas Booth, known for The Sandman and Mary Shelley, in a series based on Charlotte Langley's novel of the same name. The plot promises a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups, and moral compromise as the investigation spirals into murky waters. It's the kind of gritty storytelling that keeps viewers hooked, and Zambian fans of crime drama will find plenty to sink their teeth into.

Who is Anya McKenna-Bruce in The Blame?

Adding to the star-studded cast is actress Anya McKenna-Bruce, who plays Chloe Radic. Sitcom lovers will remember her as Morten in the BBC series Amandaland, and she has also appeared in The Hack, Cleaning Up, and Ghosts. But here's the twist: Anya is the younger sister of Mia McKenna-Bruce, a name that will ring bells for anyone who followed EastEnders back in the day.

Mia McKenna-Bruce: From EastEnders to Agatha Christie

Mia shot to fame as the original Penny Branning on EastEnders in 2008, and her career has only climbed since. She starred as Tee Taylor in Tracy Beaker for years, then landed the role of Tara in the 2023 film How to Have Sex, which earned her a BAFTA Rising Star Award. Zambian viewers who enjoy international drama may also recognize her from The Witcher, Get Even, and a guest spot on the iconic detective series Vera.

This year, Mia took on the lead role in Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, an adaptation of the 1929 novel. She plays Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, a lesser-known amateur detective and socialite who gets caught up in a hunt for a serial killer after a tragedy at home. The period drama boasts a heavyweight cast, including Martin Freeman, Helena Bonham Carter, Edward Bluemel, and Iain Glen, and its finale delivered a twist that left fans wanting more.

Mia also starred as Jane Andrews in the ITV true-crime drama The Lady, which recounts the real-life story of a royal dresser convicted of murder. It's a role that shows her range, from period pieces to gritty real-life tales.

Why Should Zambian Viewers Care?

Look, we know Zambian audiences have their own rich storytelling traditions, but there's no harm in keeping an eye on what the rest of the world is watching. British crime dramas have a global following, and The Blame is shaping up to be another binge-worthy addition. Plus, seeing the McKenna-Bruce sisters carve out their own paths in the industry is a reminder that talent runs in families, something we understand well here in Zambia.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and see if The Blame lives up to the hype. It's a chance to enjoy some top-tier acting while the rest of the world catches up on the drama we already know how to appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Blame based on a book?

Yes, The Blame is based on the novel of the same name by Charlotte Langley, and the TV adaptation stays true to the book's themes of lies, cover-ups, and moral compromise.

Who plays Chloe Radic in The Blame?

Anya McKenna-Bruce plays Chloe Radic, and she is the younger sister of Mia McKenna-Bruce, who starred in EastEnders and Agatha Christie's Seven Dials.

What other shows has Michelle Keegan been in?

Michelle Keegan is known for her roles in Coronation Street and Our Girl, but The Blame marks her first detective role as DI Emma Crane.

Photo: WalesOnline