ROLLER COASTER
Virdee viewers cry ‘I could literally be sick!’ minutes into BBC drama’s debut after intense scene
Detective Harry Virdee gave chase to a suspect through the streets of Bradford
VIRDEE viewers cry 'I could literally be sick!' minutes into the BBC drama's debut after an intense scene.
Just seconds into the opening night time scene Detective Harry Virdee slammed open some doors in what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse.
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He then rushed down some steps and gave chase through the streets to a hooded suspect in the disappearance of a teenager.
The camera zoomed in and out from all angles for several minutes and it almost felt like a roller coaster ride.
Until the pair ran into a tunnel and dove under an oncoming train.
BBC fans commented on social media to explain how they were feeling as they watched all the drama.
BBC Drama
One viewer stated: “I still feel sick from the camera work. It was so jumpy I could actually be sick!”
Another added: “What's with the dodgy camera angles on #Virdee it's making me want to vom..”
A third agreed: “#virdee lost me with the nauseating camera work.”
Virdee is set in Bradford and creator and executive producer of the show, Amit Dhand, grew up there and can't get enough of the place he calls home.
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He said: "This is the friendliest city in the UK. We love people coming to visit, and we talk a lot in Bradford - everyone loves talking to you."
The show follows Detective Harry Virdee (Staz Nair) who has become estranged from his Sikh family after marrying a Muslim woman.
New BBC thriller showcases Bradford the City of Culture
At work, Harry suddenly becomes involved in the hunt for a killer who is targeting the Asian community in Bradford which takes him all over the city.
While Detective Harry Virdee is very much preoccupied with a major gang investigation, viewers discover that the detective actually has some ties to this underworld of his own.
Namely, that one of the city's most successful businessmen - and head of one of the gangs in question - is none other than his brother-in-law and childhood friend, Riaz (Vikash Bhai).
Bringing the show to life has given Amit the opportunity to showcase lots of his favourite spots in Bradford- including one that is very well hidden.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here's a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman's war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate while Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.
"Sunbridge Wells is one of my favourite places in the city - the underground tunnels are totally unique and most people have never heard of them.
"It used to be the old jailhouse under the courtrooms and for years it was a secret space, where people held underground gigs, but now it's a whole underground arcade with bars, pubs and restaurants.
"It's dark, cool, quirky, and we used the venue in a pilot episode - but amazingly, no one knows that part of Bradford exists."
Staz said: “I think Bradford’s pride for itself was very evident doing this show and there’s something very infectious about that.”
He added: “Once you’ve done the work it’s no longer mine anymore, now it’s what the people think and I really hope they enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it for them.”
Staz who is best known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Rebel Moon added: “As someone who wasn’t fortunate enough to spend time with my South Asian culture.
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"This was an opportunity to delve into that culture and get a real glimpse of what that feels like – what we’re proud of and what we stand for.”
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Virdee airs on BBC1 and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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