New ITV drama Grace has been hit with 58 Ofcom complaints after it aired "distressing" scenes depicting sexual violence before the watershed.
Ahead of ITV airing the episode, viewers were warned that there would be scenes that some might find distressing.
However, those watching the episode were still shocked and complained to the TV watchdog about the new series, which stars John Simm.
The 51-year-old plays the show's title character DS Roy Grace in the show and is joined by Top Boy's Richie Campbell and Rakie Ayola.
Based on Peter James' best-selling novels, the series debuted at the weekend and followed DS Grace and partner DS Glenn Branson (Campbell) as they investigated the grisly murder of a former school teacher.
Despite it airing at 8pm, dark scenes opening the episode showed the shot of a man clad in black latex who had hung himself after a drugs binge.
Fans took to Twitter in shock, with one writing: "8pm and they’ve shown a man hanging, I always thought things like that were shown after 9pm?"
While another commented: "Ummmm... not sure Grace is suitable pre-watershed fare @ITV. Fetish, drugs.
"Oh yeah, and a hanged body. Sex games gone wrong? At 8pm on a Sunday?!"
A third agreed, writing: "Yeah it seems a bit full-on for before 9pm. Luckily daughter has gone to bed as wouldn’t want her to see it."
However, others defended the drama, with one commenting: "For all those moaning at the content of #Grace there were warnings given by ITV before it started.
"Just use the red button if you’re getting too scared."
Another wrote: "#Grace. THERE WERE WARNINGS!!! Stop moaning about content! You see worse on the earlier news channels from Ukraine etc."
*Grace airs Sundays at 8pm on ITV
