Belgravia viewers blast ‘dull as can be’ and ‘lacklustre’ characters as they abandon period drama after episode 4

BELGRAVIA viewers have blasted ‘dull as can be’ and ‘lacklustre’ characters as they abandon the period drama after episode four.

The ITV drama was billed as the 'new Downton Abbey' after being written by its creator, Julian Fellowes.

But after four weeks, viewers have been left underwhelmed by the series, which follows the lives of the Trenchard family, who are keeping a secret which threatens to turn their lives and those of others upside down if exposed.

Episode four certainly had drama, with Anne Trenchard's daughter-in-law Susan - played by Alice Eve - fearing she is pregnant after having an affair, as well as the family's servants betraying them.

But it wasn't enough for some viewers watching at home, who took to Twitter to moan about proceedings.

One wrote: ";I shall watch Belgravia, because I like a period drama as much as anyone. But my god they are all so utterly unlikeable and Mr Pope is as dull as dull can be."

Another added: "'Is it just me or are all the characters in Belgravia whiny and annoying."

A third tweeted: "After watching three lacklustre (with no likeable or relatable characters) episodes of Belgravia I decided to give the fourth a miss."

A fourth agreed, writing: "Watching #Belgravia to be honest I'm not feeling it. Not one character I find appealing and the storyline [is] weak."

The series stars Alice as well as Tamsin Greig, Philip Glenister and Harriet Walter.

Julian, 70, previously said the drama is a one-off, but that he hadn't totally ruled out a second series.

Speaking to The Sun Online and other media at a screening for the series, he said: "Is there a second series in it? For me this is a completed story.

"Although whenever I say this to any of the actors, they disagree with me obviously, so I’m not sure that we know the definitive answer to that really."

Belgravia continues on Sunday, April 12 at 9pm on ITV.