Jacki Weaver steps in for Judy Davis on ITV-Stan thriller Two Birds

Jacki Weaver has replaced Judy Davis as Mrs Baxter in Two Birds, after Davis left the production over scheduling conflicts.

Deadline reported the recasting as an exclusive. The series is an upcoming thriller jointly backed by ITV in Britain and Stan in Australia. Cameras are now rolling in Western Australia.

Sheridan Smith leads the cast as Constable Izzie Cornwell. She plays a police officer at the centre of the story. Stephen Peacocke and Colin Friels also star.

Weaver is widely recognised for two Oscar nominations. They were for Animal Kingdom and Silver Linings Playbook. She now takes over the key supporting role of Mrs Baxter.

The series comes from writers Helen FitzGerald and Megan Palinkas. James Griffiths and Corrie Chen are directing.

Patrick Spence is producing through AC Chapter One. Martha Coleman is attached through Third Act Stories. ITV Studios is on board as international producer, overseeing the show beyond its home markets.

For viewers, this means one familiar face steps in for another without pausing the build-up. Production continues in Western Australia. No change to the lead cast or the broadcast partners has been announced.