Viewers praise Maxine Peake and Lisa Riley’s ‘incredible’ performances on Three Girls as harrowing drama takes a tense turn
VIEWERS were full of praise for Maxine Peake’s “incredible” performance as sexual health worker Sara Rowbotham in the second episode of Three Girls.
The three-part series explores the real life events surrounding the evil Rochdale grooming gang which carried out assaults on dozens of young girls
In tonight’s episode, Sara lays into police for widespread failures to bring prosecutions in the case which has targeted 200 girls.
One viewer wrote: “Maxine Peake is just a sensational actress, just sensational. Her portrayal of this sexual health worker is incredible.”
Another described the actress’s performance as “magnificent” while a third tweeted: “Maxine Peake is making this true life drama as the enlightened one.”
Lisa Riley’s performance as the mother of teen abuse victims Amber and Ruby also drew praise along with Lesley Sharp who stars as DC Margaret Oliver – a police officer determined to bring the gang to justice.
The first episode of the drama left viewers emotional and heartbroken as they witnessed the abuse teens Holly, Ruby and Amber suffered at the hands of the gang.
Tonight’s instalment prompted fury on social media at the the shameful lack of response from authorities who for years turned a blind eye to the abuse — out of ineptitude, lack of communication and fear of being branded racist.
One viewer wrote: “Insufficient evidence?? There were two pregnancies and DNA in her underwear. Makes me sick. Absolute disgrace.”
Another viewer raged: “‘Raped, beaten, not believed, raped, beaten, not believed’ I’m in tears this is terrible.”
There was more upset as Holly had her baby taken away after turning to booze for comfort.
However, a new prosecutor and the quick wits of Lesley Sharp’s detective provided new hope that the girls would find justice.
The organised sex ring in Rochdale worked to secure underage girls for sex who in some cases were given alcohol and small amounts of money in exchange for silence.
In May 2012, nine men were convicted of numerous child sex crimes.