Hotel Portofino fans all have the same complaint just minutes into new ITV series
HOTEL Portofino viewers were left baffled after the first episode of the new ITV series.
The six-part series set in 1926 follows British family the Ainsworth's, who run the hotel, after moving to Italy following the end of the First World War.
Viewers are introduced to Bella Ainsworth, her caddish husband Cecil, and the imperious and hard-to-please Lady Latchmere.
But within minutes of the first episode, some fans were left confused by the plot and begged the bosses to tidy up the editing.
One wrote: "Who was directing these actors? And who is editing this? Its atrocious!!!"
Another posted: "I really "wanted" to like Hotel Portofino but...."
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A third said: "Where is this going, can't get into it #hotelportofino"
"Low on plot so far and already 20 mins in," someone else tweeted.
"This show is all over the place. The direction, acting, editing and pacing," another said.
One complained: "What a load of rubbish. Acting is terrible. Cheap production. Downton rip off."
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Another confused viewer added: "What is going on in this programme #hotelportofino."
But not everyone agreed and many fans raced to defend the show, with one writing: "Loved Hotel Portofino, thanks ITV ! My Friday nights are sorted."
A second echoed: "Loved Hotel Portofino, it's brilliant! Loved it and hooked already."
Belle and Cecil have three children, daughters Alice and Lottie, and son Lucian.
Viewers watched Bella set about trying finding the perfect wife for her son and invites prospective suitor Rose to the hotel.
It comes to light that Lucian is healing from mental and physical scars after being badly injured in the war.
His mother is worried that he has not fully recovered and fears he's "lost his purpose".
Meanwhile, new nanny Constance joins the family to look after little daughter Lottie, but is unable to read.
Elsewhere, fans learn that Cecil has spent their saving, leaving Bella in a financial mess and is vulnerable to blackmail threats from a local Fascist politician.
Political corruption, sexual intrigue and the theft of an "old master" painting combine to form a gripping story.
The Crown star Natascha McElhone, and Four Weddings And Funeral's Anna Chancellor lead the cast.
The show was created and written by Matt Baker.
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His other work includes Professor T, Before We Die, and Channel 4's Suspect.
You can catch Hotel Portofino on ITV on Friday nights at 9pm.