Jodie Whittaker sparks fiery debate as Netflix Toxic Town fans blast ‘dreadful’ issue with new series: ‘Wholly unconvincing!’
Netflix’s hit series Toxic Town has been receiving critical acclaim since its release last week, but not without controversy – with some fans pointing out an issue with Jodie Whittaker’s performance.
The four-part drama tells the true story of the Corby toxic waste scandal, which resulted in children being born with birth defects and limb differences.
English actress Jodie Whittaker, 42, plays Scottish mother Susan McIntyre in the series which earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and monopolised Netflix’s most-watched list since premiering.
The real life Susan McIntyre herself praised the series for its authenticity and revealed she was moved to tears when watching clips.
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“It just brings all the raw emotions back,” she said of the portrayal.
McIntyre particularly praised a scene where Whittaker leads a sing-along of I Will Survive during karaoke, explaining it was a favourite of her son’s growing up.
However, some fans were less than impressed with former Doctor Who stars attempts at a Scottish accent and took to social media to share their thoughts on the “unconvincing” effort.
“Have you seen Jodie Whittaker’s Scottish accent in that new show on Netflix? DIABOLICAL.,” one wrote on X.
Another slammed: “Jodie’s attempt at any semblance of “Scottish” was wholly unconvincing. She did not sound in any way authentically Scottish.”
“Toxic Town is a really well done show, but it physically hurts to listen to jodie whittaker’s attempt at a scottish accent. strange decision tbh,” a third opined.
“I enjoyed watching #ToxicTown very sad. But Jodie Whittakers accent was dreadful,” another complained.
“Jodie Whittaker (although a fantastic actress) her poor attempt at an accent is hard to listen to. From an actual Scottish person,” someone else remarked.
Others were disappointed that a Scottish actor could not have been cast to play the part of McIntyre.
“I am f****** tired of Scottish characters being played by actors who aren’t Scottish. If it was now and again fair enough, but it’s all the f****** time,” one viewer fumed.
Another questioned: “There are so many talented Scottish actors out there, why not use them for the Scottish roles.” (sic)
Whittaker herself acknowledged the challenges of mastering the accent during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning.
Speaking alongside two of the real mothers, she admitted: “From my point of view, I’m instantly terrified because I think the opening scene is karaoke in a Glaswegian/Corby accent.”
“So there’s things like that where you’re going ‘right okay,'” she added, pantomiming her nerves at the time.