Au Pair viewers slam new Channel 5 drama for its 'bad' acting

The new Channel 5 drama The Au Pair had its debut on Monday night, and viewers didn't hold back from airing their thoughts on social media. Set against a backdrop of country splendour, the show throws us into the lives of the well-to-do couple Zoe (played by Sally Bretton) and Chris (Kenny Doughty), their stepchildren Amber and Noah, and their world which is rattled by the arrival of enigmatic au pair, Sandrine (portrayed by Ludmilla Makowski).

As the clock struck 9pm on Monday (March 10), the Channel 5 audience watched as Sandrine's infatuation with the family began to unfold. However, not all reactions were positive, as viewers quickly voiced their criticisms over the show's narrative approach and aesthetic feel.

One viewer said: "I was looking forward to this after the Graham Norton Show announced it at the weekend. But I don't think I can watch much more" Another ironically enjoyed its flaws: "This is so bad and totally unbelievable.... and I'm absolutely loving it!"

Distaste continued as one person pondered if they were wasting time: "This feels like it might be an hour of my life I'll never get back... time to switch over?" Meanwhile, some felt pity for acting legend Sir David Suchet's involvement: "Poor David Suchet. I hope he got a good wage for this rubbish."

Some astute viewers observed that despite being set in England, the filming locations appeared distinctly non-British. The latest series may transport viewers to the breathtaking scenery of France and the Cotswolds, but its actual filming location lies approximately an hour from Dublin, Ireland. The stunning Victorian setting on screen is, in fact, the real-life Lis na Carrig, situated in the affluent Foxrock suburb of Dublin.

However, not all fans were deceived by the show's attempt to pass off the Irish landscape as England. One keen-eyed observer noted: "Is this going to be another Channel 5 show I watch and then wish I hadn't? I see they've done the usual thing of filming it abroad and trying to pass it off as England, despite it being obvious it isn't and just making things feel jarring."

A second viewer shared their scepticism, stating: "Settled down to watch the new Channel 5 series The Au Pair tonight. It's set in the Cotswolds." They continued: "I thought the village looked decidedly uncotswoldy. No Cotswold stone cottages were a dead giveaway."

Upon closer examination, they discovered the truth: "On closer inspection, it's filmed in Ireland. Ridiculous."

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