The Moorside viewers demand MORE and beg bosses to follow Karen Matthews in jail as BBC drama breaks records
VIEWERS are demanding MORE of The Moorside calling for a spin-off series and extra episodes after being left disappointed as the gritty two-part drama detailing Karen Matthews' sick plot to kidnap her daughter came to a close.
The BBC drama smashed 15 years worth of viewing figures as 9.9million fans were glued to their screens by the real-life storyline detailing the faked abduction in 2008, meaning it tipped the debut episode of the broadcaster's shows Call The Midwife and Sherlock.
Yet a duo of shows just haven't been enough to satisfy intrigued telly addicts.
They have now taken to Twitter to beg BBC producers for a series of follow-ups centred on Karen's life in jail and, more recently, an attack on her release which saw her covered with mushy peas.
One wrote: "That @ was SO good in The Moorside. Want to see more in a Karen Mathews "Going Straight" spin off with the mushy peas attack."
Another questioned show bosses: "Can there be more episodes to the moorside please???? Soooo good," while a third put: "Wish the moorside was more than two episodes."
An eager fan gushed: "Wish there was more than 2 episodes though it's so addictive."
One then posted: "Been such a great watch. Wish there were more episodes. Fantastic series. Well done BBC1 ."
Fans continued to flock to social media to make their case, with one viewer writing: "Can we just take a moment to appreciate sian brook and Sheridan smith. Great performances in the .More of this!"
Another touted room for more episodes and mused: "Definitely think there was more to Shannon Matthews abduction then what we're lead to believe ," and his thoughts were echoed by a second who put: "Moorside why do I think there's more to this story?."
This week's hour-long episode – the final part of the BBC’s big budget dramatisation of the disappearance of schoolgirl Shannon Matthews – was full of twists, turns and unsavoury revelations.
It was enough to tip the ratings to the top, just over the 9.8million reached for Call the Midwife in 2012.
Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s director of content, said: "On BBC1 it’s important to bring human stories like this to life and drama has a unique ability to do that.
"This was an extraordinary story of our time and as a nation we only ever saw it from one perspective. I’m glad audiences were able to see its wider impact and what it was like to be at the centre of that community."
The two-part mini-series – which stars highly-praised Sheridan as Julie Bushby – follows the residents of the estate made infamous by Karen’s sick plot to kidnap her own daughter Shannon for the reward money.
For Karen - dubbed "Britain's most hated mum" - and accomplice Michael Donovan, the bounty was a mere £50,000 which they planned to split 50/50 after 'releasing' Shannon in Dewsbury market.
The Moorside showed how the close knit Dewsbury community went from helping Karen look for her missing child - giving up their time to man phone helplines, scour woodland and hand out leaflets - to hating her.
Viewers saw how police warned her it wasn't safe to go home after it emerged that her boyfriend Craig had been arrested for child porn charges.
His arrest meant that she lost custody of her remaining children - including Shannon.
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In Tuesday's series finale, we reported how viewers were left shocked when Shannon's mum tucked into a bag of crisps minutes after she lost her kids.
Much of the audience were left astounded by the behaviour of Gemma Whelan’s character after her children were taken into care.
The show sees a tearful Karen told that she is to lose custody of her kids after police discover her partner Craig Meehan is in possession of child pornography.
Viewers took to Twitter to voice their confusion over the bizarre reaction.
One wrote that the scene was the first time Karen had shown any emotion throughout the series, only to post a follow-up Tweet moments later, adding: “wait, i take that back she’s now eating monster munch and cherry aid minutes after her kids have been taken off her” [sic].
Another sarcastically wrote: “Nothing like a pack of pickled onion monster munch to cheer yourself up after having your kids taken off you” [sic].
Meanwhile Brit actress Sheridan has been highly praised for her portrayal of concerned neighbour Julia.
The real-life Julia told : “The BBC drama is very close to the truth.
“Sheridan and I have become great friends – she was great. And I think it’s important for Shannon to see the truth.”