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Why Keira Knightley was forced to drop out of The Essex Serpent 

The actress has previously starred in Pride and Prejudice and Colette

keira knightley
Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
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Keira Knightley was set to star in the Apple TV+ adaptation of the bestselling novel The Essex Serpent, but has sadly confirmed that she has dropped out of the project.

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In the adaptation of the bestselling novel, the star was set to play Cora, a widow with a keen interest in fossils, who becomes fascinated by the superstition that a mythical creature lurks in the county. 

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A representative for the star confirmed that she had to pull out over childcare concerns for two daughters, Edie and Delilah, as they told the Daily Mail: "There wasn't a comfortable scenario for Keira that could be put in place for an extended period of childcare required for the four-and-a-half-month production." 

keira dress

Keira was set to play Cora in the new show

Fans supported her decision, with one writing: "Good for her. Everything is unstable and unpredictable right now and she has a family to think about that she could be separated from and unable to support." Another added: "Good for her. Common sense prevailing. [No one] should be filming right now." 

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Keira previously opened up about returning to work back in October 2019, telling BBC Breakfast: "I can't remember what your question was. You can tell I have a six-week-old baby, haven't you? I'm talking but I have no idea where I'm going." 

keira tom

Keira pulled out due to childcare concerns

She continued: "This is the third time since I've had a baby that my hair has been brushed... it's all smoke and mirrors today. This is my work day, I have six hours today from being out of the house then I get back. I've pumped for that time... there is a bit of extra milk that I'd love not to use, but it is there!" 

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