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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
David Kent

Holding: Graham Norton's new TV drama slammed by critics

The TV adaption of Graham Norton's Holding has been criticised as "odd" – with one critic saying the strict for the show was "dreadful".

Four episodes of the ITV series have been broadcast so far, with the drama based on the Cork comic and TV presenter's novel which is then being adapted by comedian Kathy Burke.

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Despite it being a bit of a ratings hit for ITV, a lot of people have been left less than impressed with it.

The drama – which stars the likes of Game Of Thrones' Conleth Hill and Oscar-winner Brenda Fricker – has an average rating of 6/10 on critic website IMDB after over 240 reviews from viewers and critics.

Some of them are calling for the show to be scrapped after its' current run.

One reads: "Lackadaisical and confused writing to say the least. Many of these actors have acclaimed roles on their resumes why choose this garbage we'll never know!"

A second slammed the show, saying that: "No amount of quality actors can save this misconceived pile of garbage. Dreadful script and dreadful direction, it views as an unrehearsed walk through before getting down to the script editing."

Irish TV presenter, comedian and actor Graham Norton (Andres Poveda)

While a third wrote: "Looked like something that might be enjoyable - crime and comedy. Sadly it falls between the two stools of drama and funny. Tries to be both, fails at both."

Others looked more favourably upon the series, with one review reading: "The show certainly has highs and lows. I have so far watched the first three episodes and felt it started off a bit slow but just about kept my interest until it really got going.

"There are several interesting characters and some of the scenery is lovely, while the story/mystery keeps you interested."

A second added: "I loved it. The plot, the characters and performances were all touching. Some really moving scenes. I can't understand why some critics scored it so low."

After the debut episode, an ITV spokesperson said: “We're thrilled with how Holding performed last night on ITV and UTV."

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