Graham Norton inspired TV series ‘Holding’ was the most watched show during its debut in Ireland - despite some already calling for the show to be cancelled.
The ITV drama is based on Norton’s best selling novel of the same name, and is adapted by comedian and actor Kathy Burke.
Set and filmed in Norton’s native Co. Cork, the four-part drama centres around the discovery of a body in a small community.
Starring a huge Irish cast, including Oscar winner Brenda Fricker and Peaky Blinders star Charlene McKenna, its debut on Monday evening on ITV and UTV proved divisive amongst viewers.
Whilst some showered praise for the hour-long episode, others said they switched off just minutes in and one viewer even called for the series to be cancelled before the end of the first episode.
But commenting on the opening night and the reaction, an ITV spokesperson told Irish Daily Mirror: “We're thrilled with how Holding performed last night on ITV and UTV.
“The overnights are 3.7 million and a 24% share of the audience with a peak of 4.2 million.
“Holding was also the most watched programme in NI in the 9pm slot.”
The show will air on Virgin Media Television at a later time, with a date set to be announced to Irish fans soon.
Holding is produced by ITV Studios-backed production company Happy Prince alongside Martina Niland for Port Pictures, in association with Screen Ireland.
In a recent interview, Norton revealed that didn't want to adapt his novel into a TV show himself and instead insisted on handing control over to TV bosses because he'd "had his time" with the characters
He said: "I was very clear I didn't want to adapt it myself. I'd had my time with those characters, it was time to hand them over. I've loved seeing the direction they've gone."
The star studded series Father Ted’s Pauline McLynn, Game of Thrones’ Conleth Hill and Derry Girls’ Siobhan McSweeney in leading roles.
Set in the fictional Co Cork town of Duneen, it centres on Sergeant PJ Collins, who will be played by Hill, who is described as “a gentle mountain of a man, who hides from people and fills his days with comfort food and half-hearted police work”.
He is called on to solve a serious crime for the first time in his career when the body of long-lost local legend Tommy Burke is discovered.
Some of the reaction to the show’s opening episode on Monday night was less than complimentary, with one viewer taking to Twitter saying: “20 minutes in and I'm out..awful sh*te.”
Someone else directed their criticism at ITV, saying: “Dear @ITV ….If anyone gets any urges to book a second season of #holding please lock them in the shed immediately.”
But, fans of the show also made their thoughts known.
“Anyone else enjoying #Holding so far? Loving the one liners!” One wrote.
Another echoed, adding: “Well now, am I one of the only people who enjoyed Holding?
Glorious scenery, colourful houses and some characters reminded me of many happy years I lived there. Gentle storytelling.”
