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Annie Roberts

Channel 5 The Holiday viewers torn over first episode with some calling it 'awful' and 'dull'

The Holiday made it's debut on Channel 5 on Tuesday, March 1 but it seems not all viewers were impressed with the new TV thriller. It is airing across four consecutive nights on the channel this week.

The series - which has been filmed in Malta - is based on the 2019 bestselling novel of the same name from T.M Logan. It follows four friends who head on what is supposed to be a dream holiday with their families, but it soon turns into a nightmare.

Despite many viewers being delighted to see Waterloo Road and soap star Jill Halfpenny back on their screens, there were mixed reactions to the first episode.

Read more: The Holiday filming location: Where was the Channel 5 drama filmed?

Some viewers branded the thriller's first instalment "awful" and said the acting was "wooden". Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Lee Savery said: "Forget Neighbours, Channel 5 are auditioning to reboot Eldorado. With wooden acting and awful sound, #TheHoliday, unsurprisingly, is utter trash."

"Jill great, the rest awful but I will watch it again purely so I can read the tweets at the same time #theholiday" Hannah Price tweeted.

The Holiday cast (Channel 5/Mark Cassar/Chalkboard/Clapperboard)

"#TheHoliday Gave up! Liked the idea and #JillHalfpenny I love, but bad scripts, too much lingering, is THIS is what is has come to?!" Sharon added.

Jane M posted: "#TheHoliday This was dreadful with wooden acting. And they all looked freezing during the al fresco meal at the restaurant. Clearly filmed out of season. I bailed after 30 minutes….. I don’t care what happens to any of them."

"Watching the #TheHoliday because it's set in Malta but even that can't save it. Dull and terrible acting." Isabel Taylor tweeted.

From left to right: Alistair (Aidan McArdle), Russ (Andrew Macklin), Kate (Jill Halfpenny), Rowan (Siobhan Hewlett), Jenny (Liv Mjones) and Sean (Owen McDonell) (Channel 5/Mark Cassar/Chalkboard/Clapperboard)

But not all viewers felt the same, some really enjoyed the "slow burn" of the first episode and were eager to see the second instalment which will air on Wednesday, March 2 from 9pm.

"Lots of tweets not realising #TheHoliday storyline is based on a book… it’s a slow burn but it gets really good!!" Susanna tweeted.

Natalie Drury added: "#TheHoliday Jill Halfpenny is brilliant her character deserves better her husband seems a **** look forward to tomorrow night's episode."

"#TheHoliday We’re in luck second part on tomorrow don’t have to wait till next week how lucky is that." Robert Halbert posted on Twitter.

Kay Schofield said: "@halfpennyjill One of the best British actresses! #TheHoliday Looks very thrilling after first episode and you’re excellent as always! Currently enjoying you in classic Coronation Street with Martin"

"Well that was tense and satisfying. Beautiful setting yet so claustrophobic. Wonderful casting. Congratulations to team" Sheila David added.

The Holiday continues on Channel 5 from Wednesday, March 2 from 9pm. You can also stream on My5.

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