Call the Midwife viewers SLAM show for brutal pre-watershed domestic violence scene

The BBC drama is known for tackling hard-hitting and taboo issues, including the thalidomide scandal and the introduction of the pill, and it was recently revealed that the new series would feature a storyline on female genital mutilation.

The first episode of Call the Midwife series six last night saw abusive husband Lester (played by James Farrar) attack his heavily pregnant wife Trudy (Perl Appleby) in a shocking and violent scene.

After screaming at her, Lester grabbed her by the neck and put a cigarette out on her chest.

He then locked her in the bedroom and stormed out, calling their young son Mickey a 'b******' as he passed him.

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Call the Midwife fans took to Twitter to complain about the pre-watershed violence

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Call the Midwife is known for tackling difficult storylines

The biggest storylines on Call the Midwife
Tue, January 17, 2017

Call the Midwife has never shied away from tacking big storylines. Here are some of the important issues the popular period drama has explored.

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The biggest storylines on Call the Midwife

Viewers were shocked at the graphic scene and the language appearing on Call the Midwife before the watershed, and immediately took to Twitter to voice their concerns.

"Look, we know domestic violence ain't pretty but isn't there still something called a watershed at 9pm" said one viewer, while another commented that the scene was "a bit full on for pre-watershed" before saying that she was quickly ushering her 11-year-old off to bed.

One person added: "The BBC have deffo relaxed the language before the watershed rules."

TWITTER

The show was slammed for showing graphic scenes and swearing before the watershed

TWITTER

Some viewers praised Call the Midwife for tackling an important subject

Some viewers, however, praised the drama for taking on a such difficult but powerful storyline, with one person saying: "Showing violence against women in #CallTheMidwife is so important, especially after #WomensMarch this weekend."

The episode also sparked controversy on social media over Sister Ursula's (Dame Harriet Walter) appointment at Nonnatus House, with viewers comparing it to Donald Trump's election as President.

This season is set to tackle other real-life issues including parenting a disabled person and working conditions for dockers.

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