Channel 5’s new four-part thriller Number One Fan launched on Monday, prompting a divided response from fans, many of whom described the new programme as “ridiculous,” while some vowed to “switch off” without finishing the rest of the show.
Number One Fan star Jill Halfpenny as Lucy Logan, a popular morning television presenter who appears to have everything.
Lucy fronts her own daytime programme and has developed a successful self-care brand, projecting an image of perfection both on screen and at home with husband Shawn, portrayed by Daniel Adegboyega, and their two children, Jacob and Poppy.
Her seemingly charmed existence takes an unexpected turn following a daytime robbery attempt, when former military personnel Donna, played by Sally Lindsay, intervenes to protect her.
Number One Fan debuted on Channel 5 on Monday
|
CHANNEL 5
The rescue creates an instant connection, with Donna confessing her admiration for the television star.
As a gesture of thanks, Lucy invites Donna backstage at her morning show, believing this will conclude their brief acquaintance.
However, creator Rachel Kilfeather, previously known for her work on Hollyoaks, swiftly shatters any such expectation.
What started as a fortuitous meeting with an appreciative viewer rapidly descends into something far more invasive.
Donna starts materialising wherever Lucy happens to be, whether at her workplace, in public spaces, or increasingly near her private world
|
CHANNEL 5
Donna starts materialising wherever Lucy happens to be, whether at her workplace, in public spaces, or increasingly near her private world.
While the series initially appears to follow the well-worn dangerous obsessive fan formula, Number One Fan elevates the premise beyond familiar territory.
Not long into the drama’s premiere, reactions flooded social media, with many issuing complaints about the show’s debut episode on X.
One penned: “Awful acting, the god awful script, the pensive stares, the sets….not to mention the story. It’s sooo TV daytime drama! Not one to put on the CV I think for anyone involved #numberonefan.”
Jill Halfpenny stars as Lucy, who fronts her own daytime programme and has developed a successful self-care brand
|
CHANNEL 4
A second implied they’d be giving up on the series, writing: “I don’t know if I can manage another episode #numberonefan.”
“This is ridiculously bad #numberonefan,” another echoed.
Someone else commented: “What in the GCSE acting is this #numberonefan so bad it’s good.”
“The ridiculousness of this compared with the po faced title graphics is hilarious #numberonefan,” another shared.
A different viewer posted: “The way this show is cringing me out so badly, but yet I can’t stop watching it bc it’s so weirdly intriguing #numberonefan.” (sic)
Some did applaud the episode though, with some finding the show’s beginning intriguing and enjoyable.
One person wrote: “Great episode of #NumberOneFan tonight! Now, do I watch the series live across the week, or do I binge?! Decisions Decisions…”
“Back tomorrow for ep two.. I actually enjoyed that #NumberOneFan,” one more added. (sic)