Broadchurch gripped viewers with its intense and gritty storylines throughout the first two series, and the latest outing is no different.
As the first episode aired last week, more than 7.5 million viewers witnessed the moment Trish Winterman, played by Julie Hesmondhalgh, bravely reported the fact she’d been assaulted to the police.
In the latest episode of the ITV drama DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), and DI Alec Hardy (David Tenant) began investigating the attack.
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But viewers were left baffled after Trish was interviewed about the rape in a busy public cafe, despite the detectives stressing the need for privacy in the case.
The show saw Trish seek help from Wessex Rape Response and series regular Beth Latimer, who works for them.
The two women met up in a cafe to discuss the traumatic attack.
During the emotional scene, Trish said: “I feel like I’m not in my own body.
“I feel so ashamed, I just wish he’d killed me.”
Despite fans of the show loving the third series and the gripping storyline they were astounded that a meeting so sensitive was held in a busy public place.
Jasdeep Jassad wrote: “Loving #Broadchurch but would you really be having your first meeting with your support worker in a cafe? I don’t think so… #drama #itv.”
Another confused viewer said: “#broadchurch.. Still can’t understand why they met her in a cafe so everyone in there could hear.”
A third said: “#broadchurch ..nail biting as ever but hard to believe a counsellor would talk to a victim in a cafe for all to hear #surelynot.”
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A fifth agreed: “Confidential in a cafe with people close by? I think not #broadchurch.”
Showrunner Chris Chibnall and script executive Sam Hoyle worked closely with Rape Crisis and The Survivors Trust.
Actress Julie has been praised for her gut-wrenching performance in the new drama series.
Many viewers took to Twitter declaring Julie is “stealing the series” and others calling for her to be nominated for a BAFTA.
David Hughes wrote: “It’s only two episodes in and so far @juliehes deserves every award going for her acting in @BroadchurchTV”.
Another impressed viewer said: “Give Julie Hesmondhaigh the BAFTA now. Incredible performance #Broadchurch.”
The actress has recently spoken out and said she is “sick of seeing” so much sexual assault and violence against women on TV.
Speaking to Rape Crisis, Julie admitted: “I am absolutely sick of seeing – even on programmes I love – women being chased through woods by predators.”
“I think that’s become so normal for us as viewers of television that we’ll even happily sit and watch that with our young teens.
“I’d like to see that really overturned.
“I’m really glad that conversation has started.”
It’s definitely got people talking – and we’re gripped to see how the series develops.