If you thought the Luther finale was too grim, spare a thought for its star Hermione Norris – who tells me she has not been able to watch it.
The BBC got a string of complaints over the gruesome drama, which saw an act of violence every five minutes at its climax.
Back after a four-year break, the four-part fifth series about the obsessive detective, played by Idris Elba, kicked off on New Year’s Day.
Friday’s finale attracted 4.6 million viewers – but some fear writer Neil Cross has gone too far to shock.
They watched in horror as the masked killer snared a victim on the top deck of a night bus amid countless gunshots, stabbings and electrocutions.
And one quivering viewer tweeted: “In the space of two nights Luther has put me off getting a bus, therapists, surgery and selling things online. I might never leave the house again.”
But Hermione, 51, who played evil psychiatrist Vivien Lake, says the terror felt by the audience is the sign of a great script.
The Cold Feet star said: “Job well done if people are feeling like that, Neil is achieving what he’s set out to achieve.
“He is very good at preying on our deepest psychological fears.
“It’s Luther, it’s about serial killers, it’s a frightening drama. Neil doesn’t shy away from scaring people.”
Yet, despite defending the harrowing scenes, she admits she’s been too scared to watch.
Her view chimes with star Idris – who has said he finds the episodes too gruelling and he’d rather watch kids’ cartoons.
Hermione said: “I can’t go and see horror films, I don’t like scary things.
“I know people who do, and they like the adrenaline hit. I’d probably be with Idris watching Shrek myself.”
The hit show, which climaxed with DCI Luther being arrested, is now tipped for the big screen. Hermione added: “Idris was one of the most lovely, generous actors. He was funny – I’d love to work with him again.”
She found fame as Karen Marsden in Cold Feet, which returns on Tuesday.
And she spent chunks of last year away filming – but says it’s easier than looking after kids Wilf, 14, and Hero, 11, with screenwriter hubby Simon Wheeler.
Hermione said: “I go to work for a holiday. I was away a lot, but I’m always on FaceTime at the table, while they eat.”
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