Ordeal By Innocence was ‘worth the wait’, say viewers

Viewers have said new BBC drama Ordeal By Innocence was “well worth the wait” as it started more than three months after originally planned.

The Agatha Christie murder mystery was pulled from the Christmas schedules after star Ed Westwick faced allegations of sexual misconduct.

British actor Christian Cooke replaced the Gossip Girl actor in re-shoots following the claims, which Westwick has denied, and the programme started on Easter Sunday.

Viewers were gripped by the first instalment of the three-part series, which centres on the former husband of a murdered heiress who is preparing to remarry 18 months after her adopted son was convicted of killing her, before dying himself in a prison brawl.

One person said on Twitter: “Oh my oh my, #OrdealByInnocence is classic tv. I am seriously loving it. Scrumptious production, brilliant acting and a whole cast of suspects. It was on my must see list at Christmas, but definitely worth the wait.”

“#OrdealByInnocence was absolutely bloody brilliant,” another person tweeted. “Stylish and creepy I equal measure. Well done to all involved for making me miss #antiquesroadshow that little bit less.”

Another person wrote: “Definitely worth the wait! Can’t wait for the next episode!”

Viewers were impressed with the performances from the cast, which includes Bill Nighy, Anna Chancellor and Alice Eve.

“Some top class acting in #OrdealByInnocence,” one fan tweeted. “Bill Nighy is his usual, effortlessly classy self. Matthew Goode sarcastically sinister, but Christian Cooke is the most compelling for me at the moment.”

Another praised: “Thought #OrdealByInnocence was excellent. Superb cast. Amazing that they re-shot 30+ scenes. Seamless.”

The second episode airs at 9pm on BBC1 next Sunday.