Michelle Keegan turns down major ITV role for family

Michelle Keegan has reportedly turned down a major ITV drama role to spend more time with her daughter, Palma. The Brassic star welcomed her first child with husband Mark Wright in March 2025. She had reportedly agreed to the project months earlier, with filming dates already arranged. However, Keegan decided not to sign the contract after considering the demanding filming schedule. The 39-year-old actress was reportedly excited about the challenging role and had been keen to join the project. The production would have required long hours and kept her away from Palma for an extended period. Read more : Michelle Bachelet defends women's rights amid pressure in UN race The drama was also scheduled to begin filming soon after Keegan completed her Netflix project, The Woods. As a result, she reportedly felt unable to commit to another demanding production at that time. The decision reflects her effort to balance her successful acting career with motherhood. According to an insider, Keegan remains highly committed to acting but wants to prioritise being present for her daughter. The source said the actress faced the same challenges as many working mothers while managing her career and family responsibilities. Her decision ultimately came after weighing the project's demands against time with Palma. Read more : Michelle Yeoh lands another major honour at Busan Film Festival Meanwhile, Keegan recently opened up about returning to work after becoming a mother. She admitted that going back to work for the first time after Palma's birth felt daunting. Her latest decision highlights the changes she has made while adjusting to motherhood. Keegan continues to build her acting career while making family time a priority. She has several successful television projects behind her and remains a popular figure among viewers. For now, the actress appears focused on finding a balance between future roles and life with her young daughter.