Fans of ITV series Douglas Is Cancelled divided by huge twist with 'scary' scene | TV & Radio

Douglas Is Cancelled fans have been left shocked by the “scary” twist in ITV’s new series, with some saying they were “struggling to watch”. The series returned for its third episode, starring Karen Gillan as Madeline and Hugh Bonneville as Douglas.

The “uncomfortable” episode delved into the timeline of Douglas’ working relationship with Madeline, going back to her first meeting with him at a book signing while she was in college and fast-forwarding to her interview for the job at Live 6.

She felt the walls closing in on her as the interview took place in a hotel suite with producer Toby (Ben Miles), her dread growing as the questions intensified and the air grew heavier.

Toby kept offering her an alcoholic drink, put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, and began undressing in front of Madeline while he ran her a bath. The character was clearly panicked as her inappropriate behavior continued, and he asked her to talk about women’s rights.

ITV itself admitted it was “uncomfortable” viewing, posting on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “We’re not supposed to have favourites… but episode 3 of Douglas Is Cancelled is one of the most tense, uncomfortable and brilliant episodes of television you’ll ever see.”

But fans were divided on the episode, with one viewer responding: “I’m having a hard time watching this. I really want to put my foot in front of the TV.”

Referring to the alcoholic beverage, one user said: “He put cannabis in there? That’s exactly what I thought. He insisted Madeline had a drink. Scary and predatory #DouglasIsCancelled.”

Another added: “Horrible! I gave it another chance but this episode is only 15 minutes long and it’s just scary, but boring and pretty unfunny!”

However, some fans were impressed by the acting and writing. One fan wrote: “For years I’ve wanted to write a scene like this, where the viewer feels trapped in a hotel room with the young woman subjected to the complex levels of coercion employed by an articulate and powerful predator. You did it much better. Perfectly, I’d say. #Douglasiscancelled”

Another said it changed the narrative, writing: “Beautifully acted scenes by Ben Miles and Karen Gillan. Worth watching on its own, but it really changes the narrative of the show.”

A third added: “Karen Gillian is BRILLIANT in this episode. Beautiful.”

Douglas Is Cancelled continues next Thursday on ITV at 9pm or watch all episodes on ITVX