David Tennant Des
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Des on ITV: David Tennant blows viewers away as serial killer Dennis Nilsen

Viewers thought the former Doctor Who actor was 'incredible'

Des started on ITV last night and viewers were deeply impressed with David Tennant as serial killer Dennis Nilsen.

The three-part drama is based on the 1983 arrest of the Scottish murderer, following the discovery of human remains clogging up drains near his home.

David Tennant as Des
David Tennant is playing Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen (Credit: ITV)

What did Des viewers say about David Tennant?

Episode one aired yesterday (Monday, September 14) evening and after watching, viewers heaped praise on David’s “incredible” and “extraordinary” performance.

One viewer said on Twitter: “Wow. David Tennant is incredible in #Des. What a performance.”

Read more: Is Dennis Nilsen still alive and where did he live? New ITV drama Des tells serial killer’s story

Another tweeted: “#Des on @itv was unmissable TV last night. @David_Tennant’s performance is extraordinary. Incredible writing by Luke Neal.”

A third said: “David Tennant is our greatest and least vain television actor. His portrayal of Dennis Nilsen gives me the heeby jeebies. He is outstanding. #Des.”

Someone else put: “Great acting by David Tennant as Des. He was so convincing as a killer I felt sick watching it #Des #davidtennant #itv.”

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“Can’t believe I used to think David Tennant was so cute and cuddly,” said a fifth.

“David Tennant is a freaking genius #Des,” another wrote.

He was so convincing as a killer I felt sick watching it.

“This is turning me cold how sick #des,” someone else said.

One viewer wrote: “#Des is lit making me sick.”

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What is Des on ITV about?

Des, which continues tonight on ITV, is told through the eyes of three people. It focuses on Nilsen (Tennant), DCI Peter Jay (played by Line Of Duty actor Daniel Mays) and biographer Brian Masters (Jason Watkins).

Nilsen killed a number of men and boys in his flat between 1978 and 1983.

Des also stars Line Of Duty’s Daniel Mays (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Line Of Duty series one ending shocks fans all over again

For those five years, he operated undetected. But in February of 1983, DCI Peter Jay went to Nilsen’s flat at 23 Cranley Gardens to investigate human remains – pieces of flesh and bone – blocking a drain.

It was then cops realised they were dealing with a serial killer.

– Episode two of Des airs tonight (Tuesday, September 15) at 9pm on ITV

What did you think of the first episode, and David Tennant’s performance? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know your thoughts on Des.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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