Doctor Blake Mysteries to return without lead
Craig McLachlan will not be returning to The Doctor Blake Mysteries. Earlier this year the Gold Logie-winning actor was accused of indecent assault, sexual harassment and bullying, allegations McLachlan has vehemently denied.
A joint investigation between Fairfax Media and the ABC focused on McLachlan’s alleged behaviour during the 2014 production of The Rocky Horror Show. However, a Doctor Blake crew member later came forward to say McLachlan’s behaviour on the set of the beloved TV show ‘‘looked like sexual harassment’’.
McLachlan’s co-star Nadine Garner defended the show’s ‘‘lewd’’ on-set behaviour. An investigation by the show’s production company, December Media, cleared the actor of any misconduct.
A source at the Seven Network confirmed the series will return without its title character.
The show will now centre around Dr Blake’s housekeeper and love interest Jean Beazley (played by Garner). It is expected Dr Blake’s absence will form the backbone of the show’s new storyline.
The next instalment, like the the season five finale that went to air in November 2017, will be a telemovie. Showrunners felt the longer format better suited the award-winning drama. Seven is open to further telemovies should the next instalment rate well.
The Seven source said the series will remain intact despite McLachlan’s absence, with other major characters set to return.
Screen Australia’s head of production Sally Caplan said it was important to fund the continuation of the franchise due to the prospect of sudden job losses for local actors and production staff.
‘‘It is essential for Screen Australia to support the cast and crew in this unique situation,’’ she said. ‘‘There is no doubt audience demand for this Australian story remains.‘‘
Film Victoria, which also poured money into the new telemovie, said it was confident production company December Media was committed to ensuring a safe and supportive working environment. December Media declined to comment.