Sir Alan Sugar has come under fire on Twitter after questioning why characters in Liverpool-based BBC drama The Responder had Scouse accents.
The Apprentice star complained on social media that the six-part BBC programme was hard to follow because he couldn't understand what actors were saying.
Based on former Merseyside Police officer Tony Schumacher's experiences, The Responder follows urgent response officer Chris Carson.
READ MORE: BBC The Responder fans laughing at extra's mistake
The series focuses on Caron, played by Martin Freeman, and his struggles balancing his job patrolling the streets of Liverpool with his family life.
Sir Alan tweeted: "Why did the BBC make Martin Freeman speak with a Liverpool accent in The Responder.
"Hard to follow what he and other cast are saying.
"No disrespect to people of Liverpool they are nice down to earth people.
"My wife gave up watching she said she could not understand a word."
Sir Alan could always check out our handy explainer of words and sayings from the program and what they mean.
Many fans of the show rushed to point out the obvious.
Former Hollyoaks actor turned director Matt Littler replied: "It’s…it’s set in Liverpool. That’s… I’m not sure how to answer."
To which Sir Alan said: "It might be set in Liverpool . I can understand Steven Gerrard. I can't understand the character. Sorry but true."
He said that while he thinks Martin Freeman is a great actor he couldn't understand him, adding: "I am sure Martin Freeman is great in it.
"He is a superb actor, but sorry I could not understand him and others in the cast."
Another twitter user @JennySunshine said: "Heard Martin Freeman say he worked hard for a long time trying to perfect a scouse accent, not a scouser myself but sounded really good to me, bit unfair though if it’s set in Liverpool they should make them speak in a Liverpool accent."
A third, @didlifeb commented: "It's set in Liverpool, I'm from Liverpool, Martin Freeman's scouse accent is spot on, maybe tune your hearing aid to scouse."
While @MarcTew said: "I’ve not seen it yet, but I’m going to hazard a guess that it’s because….his character is from Liverpool?"
The Responder aired on Monday, January 24 at 9pm on BBC One.
The full series is available on BBC iPlayer
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
