Death Valley was branded "utter drivel" as viewers rushed to slam the BBC programme. The third instalment of the six-part series aired on Sunday (June 8) evening and featured John Chapel (played by Timothy Spall) and DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) as they investigated the untimely death of a best man. The third episode captured the attention of several viewers, but not for the right reasons.

Taking to social media to complain about the series, one fumed: "What on earth is this shite??? #DeathValley No wonder everyone is talking about it... It's utter drivel and woke toboot. Refund the BBC if this is the best they can s**t out." Another added: "Heard it was bad, but jeezo it's horrendously bad. The lead lady is soooo irritating and the script is chronically unfunny. A new low for Sunday night viewing, absolutely horrendous."

Announcing they were forced to switch the programme off, another said: "Caught up with on BBC1 I. love stuff staring Timothy Spall but just had to turn off after a few mins due to the awful co-star detective played by Gwyneth Keyworth shouting all the time. She must be one of the most annoying tv characters ever."

A fourth echoed: "I'm on the third episode of "Death Valley" - I really gave it a try, but it really doesn't get on me. I can't stand the main characters, they are cringe... in general I really like those shows, but this I'll skip and that Ludwig will return soon."

Someone else declared: "#DeathValley on BBC1 is one of the worst programmes I've ever sat through!"

Despite the criticism, others admitted they were enjoying the series, with one writing: "I know a lot of people seem to enjoy slagging off #DeathValley, and I admit that when I saw the initial trailer, I thought it looked poor; however, having binged the series the other day, I can quash my original reticence & say that I loved it. Daft, funny, cosy & Welsh."

A second agreed: "Enjoying #DeathValley too. It's Sunday night viewing and I remember 'By the Sword Divided' and 'The Pallisers' so this is quite fun."

Although Death Valley has received mixed reviews, the unveiled the impressive audience numbers for the show following its debut at the end of May.

's latest figures reveal that the first episode, which aired on 25 May, captivated 2.9 million viewers on One, marking it as the most viewed launch for a new Scripted Comedy in five years, even surpassing Ludwig's premiere last September which garnered 2.8 million viewers.