Ofcom assessing complaints from Call The Midwife viewers as BBC show airs heavy swearing and shocking domestic violence scenes before 9pm watershed
Viewers shared their outrage online after abusive husband Lester attacked Trudy in violent scenes
OFCOM are assessing a series of complaints after BBC show Call The Midwife aired shocking domestic violence and swearing last night, before the 9pm watershed.
The first episode of the sixth series aired one particularly disturbing scene showing abusive husband Lester stubbing out his cigarette on his pregnant wife.
He also called his son a "b*****d" after abusing his wife and leaving the house.
Fans of the show flocked to social media to comment on the shocking scenes, and several complained to Ofcom.
An Ofcom spokesperson told The Sun Online: "We will assess these complaints before deciding whether to investigate or not."
One fan commented on Twitter: "Bloody hell #callthemidwife is a bit full on pre-watershed... I'm ushering 11yo off to bed."
Another agreed, remarking: "Look, we know domestic violence ain't pretty but isn't there something called a watershed at 9pm."
A fan tweeted: "The BBC have deffo relaxed the language before the watershed rules. B*****d on #callthemidwife now all the swearing on #eastenders."
But others praised the "powerful" storyline and "wonderful performances".
One commented: "Showing violence against women in #CallTheMidwife is so important, especially after #WomensMarch this weekend."
Ofcom confirmed they'd received five complaints about the show, four about "b*****d" being said twice before the watershed, and one about domestic violence towards a pregnant woman.
A Neal Street Productions spokesperson told The Sun Online: "We are always mindful of the timeslot in which the show transmits. Call the Midwife is known for dealing with serious and emotive issues and has done so throughout the programme’s history.
"The domestic violence experienced by Trudy Watts in last night’s episode, demonstrated the terrible suffering endured by many women and the outbursts reflected the verbal and physical violence of Trudy’s husband Lester.”
Stars of the show previously opened up about the storylines and said this series would be the grittiest one yet.
It is also set to put the spotlight on dementia, dwarfism and the Pill as producers continue to pen gritty plots depicting life in London’s East End.