The Go Between had its work cut out going up against the first episode of the final series of Downton Abbey but those who tuned in were dazzled by the BBC’s latest period drama.
Adapted from a novel by LP Hartley, The Go-Between is a story of forbidden love, betrayal and naivety.
Fans praised Jack Hollington’s performance as a young Leo Colston, the boy who becomes a go-between his friend Marcus’ sister Marian (Joanna Vanderham) and her farmer lover Ted Burgess (Ben Batt).
Viewers were also impressed by Batt’s topless scenes with the actor giving Aiden Turner a run for his money with a spot of half-naked scything, which now appears to be obligatory on all BBC period dramas.