Melissa George in, Jessica Marais out ‘Bad Mothers’

CHANNEL Nine’s new drama Bad Mothers was left in the lurch when Jess Marais pulled out just before filming.

JESSICA Marais’ replacement in Channel 9’s new drama show has been announced.

Marais was set to star in Bad Mothers which was meant to begin filming earlier this month, but the actress pulled out from the production at the last minute to focus on her health.

“Jessica has decided to step away from acting for the remainder of 2018 to focus on her health and spend time with her family,” a statement released by Marais’ management company last month said.

“She is disappointed that she will not be a part of the Bad Mothers production with such an incredible cast and team behind it, but knows that it is important to take time out to maintain ongoing balance and wellbeing.”

Jessica Marais pulled out of Bad Mothers. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Mandy McElhinney, Shalom Brune-Franklin and Jessica Tovey are also set to star in the drama and Channel 9 today announced that Marais’ spot will be filled by Alien: Covenant star Tess Haubrich.

In addition, former Home & Away star Melissa George has also joined the cast in another role.

According to a press release about the show: “Bad Mothers follows five very modern women juggling the big issues of love, family, careers, infidelity … and murder.

“When their lives collide following a series of shocking events, the Bad Mothers will learn that life can get a whole lot more complicated, more outrageous — and a whole lot more fun — than they ever imagined.”

Don Hany and Daniel MacPherson will also appear in the show which will air in 2019.

Marais not only pulled out of Bad Mothers but also pulled out of attending this year’s Logies even though she was nominated for the Gold Logie.

The Wrong Girl and Love Child star was admitted to The Sydney Clinic at Bronte in early June, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Jessica Marais poses with the Logie Award for Best Actress during the 59th Annual Logie Awards in 2017.

According to the facility’s website, the clinic specialises in treating issues such as depression, mood disorders and addictions.

The former Packed to the Rafters star has been open about her battle with mental health issues in the past, telling TV Week: “I just think it’s important to talk about depression.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of. And the more we talk about it as a community, the more we can remove the stigma.”

Marais didn’t win the Gold Logie at the awards ceremony on the Gold Coast but did win the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress.

The award was accepted by her Love Child co-star, Miranda Tapsell, whom Marais thanked on Instagram after the event.

“@misstap thanks for being a stylish, eloquent, vixen legend and taking the speech plunge for me, I love you,” Marais wrote.

She also praised Gold Logie winner Grant Denyer, revealing his acceptance speech about his past health battle was inspiring.

“Your speech moved me to tears. And gives me strength. Courage in the quiet battle. congrats mate,” Marais wrote.

Marais is reportedly dating Sydney photographer Jake Holly, who reportedly introduced her to the Hillsong Church.

The actress praised Holly’s “contagious kindness” after she finished her inpatient treatment earlier this year.

Sharing a photo of the couple on Instagram, Marais wrote that she was “so grateful for hope-filled and faith-filled humans who have contagious kindness”.

“Love transcends all barriers both internal and external — the world could do with more of it,” she added.

The Wrong Girl star also shares a six-year-old daughter Scout with ex-fiance James Stewart. The pair, who met on the set of Packed To The Rafters, dated for five years before splitting in 2015.

James Stewart, Scout and Jessica Marais in an Instagram post.