She plays DI Emma Crane who – along with her colleague DI Tom Radley (Douglas Booth) – is called out to a tragic murder in the fictional town of Wakestead. They quickly identify their main suspect but, as the case progresses, an unexpected lead comes to light.
As Emma and Tom dig deeper, they uncover a web of lies, institutional cover ups and moral compromise, which forces Emma to question the people closest to her.
Part propulsive mystery, part love story, The Blame tackles big questions around policing and will take an unflinching look at who we can really trust.
Michelle said: “Emma Crane is a Detective Inspector at Wakestead police station. She’s highly ambitious and is completely married to the job. She works in a male-dominated environment and that’s something she finds difficult. She’s driven by a need to find justice and to give a voice to those who haven’t got one – especially women. I’d never played a police officer before so that was exciting.
“Also, the storyline was interesting in how it tackles that ‘lad culture’ and misogyny within the workplace. I hope it starts conversations and changes behaviour.”
She went on: “I did a lot of research – I watched a lot of the show 24 Hours in Police Custody, and my dad was a police inspector in the early 90s and 2000s, so I asked him what it was like working in the force back then. He said the ‘lad-culture’ was exactly the same as it’s touched upon in the drama. It was heavily male influenced, and it was very rare to have a high-ranking female officer.
“We had a police advisor on set called Lisa who was absolutely brilliant and who really helped with my preparation. She taught me that as a female officer you have to stand your ground and never take any sh*t off the men, especially when it comes to your rank – you’ve earned it and you’re there because you’re good at your job.
“She also advised me on body language and how you might say a certain line – just the finer details. She was always there if I needed her and I really trusted her opinion.”
Michelle added: “I don’t know one person who would guess the ending! I’d put money on it. That’s why Megan (Gallagher – the drama’s creator and writer) is so brilliant – all the twists and turns she puts in there, all the fingers being pointed at different people and then no one will see that ending coming.”
h WITH exquisite timing, Hartlepool heartthrob Lewis Cope’s latest offering FOREVER HOME (C5, Wednesday, 9pm and 5) is on at virtually the same time as STRICTLY COME DANCING – the show which propelled him to “household name” status – also returns to our screens.
The quirky drama – adapted from Graham Norton’s best selling novel – centres around a family whose world is shattered when something “very nasty” is discovered in the basement.
This entertaining drama also stars Douglas Henshall, Denise Welch and Amy Nuttall.
Lewis, 31, speaking on social media, said of the show: “It will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s very twisted and unexpected. It’s got a fantastic cast.
“Everyone is super brilliant and we’ve had such a good time filming it. It is this family that has got so many secrets. You’ve got to see it!”
So there you go – great to have you back Lewis!
Well, that’s it for now – see you next week for some more TV chatter! Stay safe!
Author: Steve
Editor of Hartlepool Life and author of TV Life