Actor Craig McLachlan has reportedly been dropped from his starring role in The Doctor Blake Mysteries, with reports that a new TV movie is about to go into production without him.
The 52-year-old actor has appeared in 44 episodes of the show, as well as one TV movie last year, but according to The Herald Sun, Channel 7 have decided to proceed without him.
In the absence of his character Dr Lucien Blake, actress Nadine Garner, who plays housekeeper Jean Beazley, will reportedly take a more central role in the story.
The TV movie is one of four planned for the next few years, and a three-year time jump in the story will apparently be used to explain the Dr Blake character’s departure.
Craig McLachlan, who was a producer on the TV series, has reportedly granted permission for the show to continue without him. When asked about the casting decision, a Seven representative said only:
“This is a quality show which is incredibly popular with Australian viewers and employs so many talented cast and crew.”
Earlier this year, McLachlan faced allegations of sexual misconduct from various former colleagues. He has denied these claims, saying “the truth will come out”, and is currently suing the ABC and Fairfax, who originally broke the story.
