Christopher Eccleston, who plays Northern Irish mechanic Greg in the brand new three-part BBC series, Come Home, made quite the impression on viewers.
Despite a gripping introduction, which saw Christopher’s character rescue his friend Brenna (played by Kerri Quin) from her abusive husband, viewers couldn’t get past one thing – his voice.
Those watching at home were divided over his Irish accent, with some amazed by how realistic it was, meanwhile others complained that it was “dodgy”.
Taking to social media to debate Christopher’s portrayal of a Northern Irish man, one viewer tweeted: “Christopher Eccleston with an Irish accent interesting.”
“Omg, I can’t get my head around Christopher Eccleston’s Irish accent,”(sic) added another.
Meanwhile, others praised the actor, with one writing: “Great accent Christopher Eccleston in this Come Home.”
While another said: “Jesus, Christopher Eccleston’s Belfast accent isn’t half bad!”
A third gushed: “So I’m from Belfast and can confirm @Christopher_Ecc in Come Home is one of the most authentic accents I’ve heard from a non-Belfastian. Stellar actor.”
However, some viewers weren’t as impressed with Christopher’s acting, as one tweeted: “Finding Christopher Eccleston with a thick Belfast accent very, very disconcerting.”
“Marie left Greg because of his dodgy Irish accent,” joked a second.
Elsewhere, Brenna’s behaviour left viewers at home sceptical of her after she made herself at home in Greg’s house and encouraged his teenage children to drink.
“Yep, Brenna’s a whole heap of trouble wrapped in a disaster,” said one viewer.
While another asked: “Has Christopher Eccleston just shacked up with the roughest bird in NI? This is excruciating.”
Earlier this week Christopher admitted that he had fallen in love with Belfast while filming Come Home in the city.
“I have to say, I’ve fallen in love with Belfast very much. It’s an incredible place. I could get moved by it,” Christopher told Belfast Live.
He added: “I’d love to come back. I feel like Belfast will always be part of my life now. I’m based in London because my children (Albert and Esme) are there, but I’ll definitely be back.”
Come Home airs on BBC One on Tuesday, April 3 at 9pm.
