ITV HAS been slammed by viewers after bosses slapped a trigger warning on Midsomer Murders.
The crime drama has been a staple of the broadcaster’s offering for 27 years, with stars such as John Nettles, Daniel Casey and Neil Dudgeon leading the cast.
Over the course of 23 series to date fans have watched a whooping 388 murders as well as 250 attempted killings take place.
However, ITV has been blasted by a former Midsomer Murders star after bosses imposed a trigger warning on a historic episode.
The film, called Death in Disguise, originally aired during series one all the way back in 1998.
A synopsis for the episode reads: “When the founder of a nearby commune is murdered, DCI Barnaby is faced with an eccentric cast of suspects including an heiress, a psychic, and a boy who has lost his tongue.”
But before viewers can get stuck into the episode they have to dismiss a warning message from ITV.
It reads: “Contains some violence and crime scene images.”
That’s not the only episode now carrying the special disclaimer, with a string of other films also slapped with warnings.
Birds of Prey, which broadcast in 2006 has a message that reads: “This programme contains scenes that some viewers may find distressing,”
Actor Anton Lesser who starred in that episode, hit out at ITV for the update.
He told MailOnline: “I understand the good intentions of broadcasters who take care to warn of effects like flashing images, but I’m surprised something like Midsomer Murders warrants a warning.
“I do remember my character in Birds Of Prey hurling a plate of sausages to the floor – perhaps there should be a disclaimer, ‘No sausages were hurt in this film’.”
When contacted a spokesperson for ITVX, the streaming platform for the broadcaster, said: “Programming that contains potentially sensitive or distressing themes, content or language has carried appropriate guidance since our launch.
“We regularly review our catalogue to ensure the right guidance is in place.”
Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.
