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Sherwood: BBC drama angers fans with ‘lazy’ Notts Forest reference-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
Fans were not happy with the abbeivation.
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Sherwood writer James Graham has defended the Notts Forest reference used in the BBC drama after fans blasted the wording used in Monday’s episode.
The six-parter explores the devastating killings that occurred in James’ Nottinghamshire hometown – with an impressive cast including David Morrissey, Leslie Manville, Joanne Froggatt and Robert Glenister.
James was a student in 2004 when his community was rocked by two killings and a massive manhunt, which saw police forces return to the county for the first time since the miners’ strikes in the mid-1980s.
The scene which had viewers talking (for the wrong reasons) saw Alun Armstrong’s character Gary scolding a boy who had never heard of Trevor Francis.
‘First million-pound player, Notts Forest, centre forward, 52 caps for England,’ he remarked.
Fans quickly took to social media to vent their frustrations, with one person writing:’Notts Forest? I’m not from there and even I know that’s a big no no.’
The quip was made by Gary played by Alun Armstrong (Picture: BBC)
Writer James (L) responded to the controversy (Picture: PA)
‘Just catching up with Sherwood #Sherwood. Great start apart from… we never say Notts Forest. #BBC,’ another added.
Responding to the controversy on social media, screenwriter James wrote: ‘I’m moved by all your Sherwood comments – thank you. Episode 2 tonight. On the hundreds of messages about “Notts Forest”
‘You are of course Absolutely Right. A true fan would never.’
He continued: ‘Because of Gary’s (Alun Armstrong’s) history & politics, we thought no way he’d be a fan, supporting a northern team (inspired by real characters, this was loosely the case). And he’s talking to a child.
‘I worried “Nottnm” wouldn’t register for wider viewers & for non footy fans Forest is just a forest. My bad. Know it frustrates fans. I’ll make amends. Please let me back into the city. Proud of your pride for your team.’
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Sherwood is set in the Nottinghamshire village that James himself grew up in.
Sherwood itself is, indeed, a real place, and is particularly famous because of its historic association with the legend of Robin Hood.
Sherwood returns on Monday at 9pm on BBC One.
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