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Normal People fans offer up verdict on Paul Mescal's new show The Deceived

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

From Digital Spy

Normal People star Paul Mescal's new show The Deceived kicked off on Channel 5 tonight (August 3), and it didn't take long for fans of his to offer up their verdict.

Also starring Belgravia's Emily Reid and Peaky Blinders actor Emmett J Scanlan, the dark thriller centres on university student Ophelia, who embarks on a passionate love affair with her lecturer, Michael Callaghan.

Around the same time that Emily learns she might be pregnant, Michael's famous wife Roisin (Catherine Walker) suddenly dies in a fire – causing their relationship to become strained.

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

Related: Normal People season 2 "not on the cards", admits star Paul Mescal

When her lover starts encouraging her to wear his late partner's clothes, and trying to keep her in his partially burned-down home back in Ireland, Emily starts snooping, uncovering a much deeper conspiracy.

Throughout the series, Mescal – who was recently nominated for an Emmy Award – plays Sean McKeough, a local fireman that Emily gets close to as she starts to suspect that Roisin might still be alive and that there's more to Michael than meets the eye.

While his role is set to be expanded as the four-parter continues, some fans took to Twitter to complain how few scenes Mescal had during the opening episode, with one jilted viewer writing: "I think a lot of Normal People fans have been #deceived by having that Irish bloke on the trailer more than he is in the actual programme!"

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

Related: Normal People star criticises claims the show is just a "millennial love story"

"Paul mescal speaking Irish on Channel 5? And talking about a character called Roisin? I'm living," another added, clearly making the most of what they got in the pilot. "He said my name, I'm blushing!!!"

"Loved#TheDeceived tonight. That knocking really got me hooked," an enthusiastic tweeter gushed. "It looks like it's going to get so dark! Cannot wait for the next episode."

"Thoroughly enjoyed #TheDeceived @LisaMMcGee – SUPERBLY written and BRILLIANTLY acted! I don't know if I'll sleep tonight though," a fourth laughed.

Check out some more reactions below...

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The Deceived continues tomorrow night (Tuesday, August 4) at 9pm on Channel 5.


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