ITV Until I Kill You viewers say same thing within minutes of real-life crime drama launching

ITV's latest drama, Until I Kill You, made its debut on Sunday, November 3, featuring Bafta-winning actress Anna Maxwell Martin in the role of Delia Balmer. The series, set in the 1990s, is based on a memoir penned by Balmer herself, chronicling her tumultuous relationship with John Sweeney, one of Britain's most infamous killers.

Viewers were quick to express their excitement as actor Shaun Evans took on a central role in the series just minutes into the first episode.

Evans, a 44-year-old English actor best known for his portrayal of a young Endeavour Morse in ITV's Endeavour, plays serial killer John Sweeney. The Liverpool-born star has also appeared in Vigil and Teachers.

The 'true'-crime drama follows the story of retired nurse Delia Balmer, now in her 70s, who first encountered Sweeney in a local pub. However, their relationship soon took a dark turn as Sweeney's sinister past was revealed.

After moving into Delia's home, Sweeney began a campaign of abuse, even holding Delia captive for four days by tying her to her bed and issuing threats, reports the Mirror.

In a near-fatal assault, he attacked her with an axe and knife, inflicting life-altering injuries that would take Delia years to recover from. The relationship culminated in several life-threatening attacks on Delia, which she narrowly survived.

Fans were thrilled to see Shaun Evans return to the screen, with one viewer expressing their enthusiasm: "Oh, is Shaun Evans our creepy guy here? And in his original Scouse accent? Bring it. #UntilIKillYou."

Another fan was equally pleased, commenting: "Shaun Evans? That'll do for me. #UntilIKillYou", and a third added their voice, saying: "You had me at Shaun Evans #UntilIKillYou."

One more chimed in with praise for the actor: "#ShaunEvans is always brilliant. He never disappoints. Not sure I want to see him as the bad guy #UntilIKillYou".

Until I Kill You is available to stream on ITVX