Michelle Keegan has said it was 'daunting going back to work' to film new ITV series The Blame after welcoming her first child. 

The actress, 38, took a short break from acting as she welcomed her baby daughter Palma with husband Mark Wright in March 2025. 

Now as she prepares to return to the screen this year in the six-part drama series, Michelle revealed her co-workers were really 'supportive' on set. 

Speaking at the ITV showcase with host Graham Norton, she said: '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 was joined by co-star Douglas Booth and added that they had good chemistry straight away as they bonded over quizzes. 

The former soap star said: 'It was quite organic [our relationship] we got on straight away and we were doing quizzes in the makeup chair. That's how we bonded, quizzes and food.' 

The Blame will follow DI Crane (Keegan) and DI Radley (Booth) as a body of teenage figure skater Sophie Madsen is discovered, sending shockwaves through the town of Wakestead. 

As the detective dig deeper, what starts as a tragic death, spirals into a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups, and moral compromise. 

The clock ticks and trust fractures, Crane must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team.

 It comes as Michelle gave a glimpse into her daughter Palma's 1st birthday party as she shared a series of pictures on Instagram.

The Coronation Street actress and husband Mark recruited the assistance of esteemed event planners Luxe Events And Parties to put on the glamorous event to mark the tot's milestone birthday last week. 

And sharing more details from the big day, Michelle asked followers: 'Can I ask where the past years gone please?' as she reflected on her daughter growing. 

In the posts, Palma's multiple outfits for the day were showcased on hangers as Michelle flaunted the toddler's soft toys displayed in her lavish Essex mansion.

Michelle had also hung sweet posters around her home which read: 'Isn't she lovely, isn't she onederful.'

For her fellow party guests, Michelle served white chocolate cake pops, which were decorated with pink bows, as well as an array of cocktails. 

She also provided a matching two-tier cake, piles of pink and white biscuits and rows of white and pink cupcakes. 

The theme of the bash was pastels with bows, with the entire space and an outdoor tepee adorned with pink and white adornments, including a soft play set-up, a balloon-filled inflatable and a bouncy castle.

Last month, Michelle enjoyed downtime with husband Mark and daughter Palma during a sun-soaked work trip to Spain.

The Fool Me Once actress shared some sweet moments from their recent family trip, as Mark could be seen carrying their toddler on his shoulders.

Michelle was also seen taking in the breathtaking sights as she stood overlooking the green landscapes during some down time.

While they enjoyed some sightseeing and eating at local food spots, Michelle also balanced work commitments.

The mother of one posted a snap of a living room turned into a film set as she spent the day working in a house filled with cameras and light boards.

Michelle appeared to have had a very busy time away, as she also posed for a few modelling snaps wearing white linen.

Alongside the post, Michelle wrote: 'Summers coming.'

Michelle has been married to Mark, 39, since 2015 and the happy couple share baby girl Palma.