ITV’s Grace hit by Ofcom complaints over show’s sexual violence and fetish scenes shown at 8pm

HIT ITV show Grace has been hit with a number of Ofcom complaints after airing sexual violence and fetish scenes at 8pm.

Despite announcing there would be scenes viewers would find “distressing”, some were in shock at the violence in the first episode.

Fans were left in shock at the violent and graphic scenes

The show had viewers all discussing the episode on Twitter

It led to a number of ITV fans taking to Ofcom to complain about the new John Simm drama, which started at 8pm, pre-watershed.

As well as lead actor John, 51, cast as DS Roy Grace, the show sees Top Boy’s Richie Campbell and Shetland’s Rakie Ayola come together.

Airing for the first time over the weekend, scenes showed the Superindentent investigating a disturbing murder.

Based on novel Looking Good Dead, viewers were shocked by sick scenes of sexual violence and fetishes early in the evening.

The ITV show received a total of 58 complaints for the episode aired on April 24 – because of the dark nature of the scenes.

Despite the TV watershed – which ensures shows with graphic or more adult themes aren’t shown until 9pm – this episode of Grace’s first 15 minutes featured some shocking moments.

The opening scenes showed shocking sexual violence, which took viewers by surprise.

And prior to that, the episode started with a shot of a man who had hung himself in black latex gear following a drug binge.

Audiences took to social media to share their anger at the decision, with many stating the episode should’ve aired at least an hour later.

One viewer wrote: “Man hanging from the rafters in a g**p costume is a far cry from Last of the Summer Wine on a pre-watershed Sunday.”

Another agreed: “8pm and they’ve shown a man hanging, I always thought things like that were shown after 9pm?”

They continued: “Yeah it seems a bit full-on for before 9pm. Luckily daughter has gone to bed as wouldn’t want her to see it.”

Similar comments followed, as one wrote: “Ummmm… not sure Grace is suitable pre-watershed fare @ITV. Fetish, drugs.

“Oh yeah, and a hanged body. Sex games gone wrong? At 8pm on a Sunday?!”

One viewer claimed it was “clearly in breach of the Watershed rules”.

However, others were fed-up with those who were moaning, with one social media user writing: “Jesus, it is hardly explicit content. Stop moaning about the watershed.”

Grace continues Sundays at 8pm on ITV