Michelle Keegan 'pulls out of major ITV drama over fears of being away from daughter Palma'

Michelle Keegan has pulled out of 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 barrister in the new series, but withdrew just a few months before filming was due to begin and will be replaced by Jodie Whittaker, 44.

Insiders described the decision as a 'huge blow' because Michelle, 39, had committed to the project a few months ago and a filming date had been agreed, but she dropped out before signing a contract.

A source told The Sun On Sunday: 'Michelle was really keen to take on the meaty role, but the heavy filming schedule would take her away from daughter Palma for too long.

'The hours were quite intense and the project was starting straight after her Netflix drama The Woods and she just couldn't commit.

'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 Brassic star recently admitted it was 'daunting' returning to work for the first time after having Palma.

Speaking about drama series The Blame, she said earlier this year: 'Coming back to work after having a baby is quite daunting.

'But the production were so supportive and I was so looked after and it was like working with family.'

Michelle previously spoke about struggling under the scrutiny she and Mark faced over their plans to start a family, because she didn't get pregnant until a decade after they married.

She told Grazia magazine last year: ''Around the time we got married, I was open about the fact that I wanted to have a family...

'But then because we didn't choose to have children within a certain time, there was lots of speculation.

'And we can handle that but, at one point, there was a story every week. My family was asking me about it, so I made the decision to not talk publicly about that side of my life.

'I'm going to be 38 this year and, as I've got older, I feel more confident about my boundaries.'