ITV viewers have taken to social media to slam the announcement of a new Covid-19 drama starring Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt.

Twitter users were left shocked by the announcement with many dubbing the new three-part series as "depressing" and "too soon".

The programme will follow the experiences of an NHS doctor as they grapple with the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of the new show, which was filmed in Northern Ireland, Joanna Froggatt said: "I feel truly honoured to be playing Dr Abbey Henderson in Breathtaking, based on Dr Rachel Clarke’s beautifully written, poignant and shocking book of the same name.

"When I first read the incredible scripts they moved me to tears on many occasions. I felt so passionately that I had to be a part of telling this story, the real story, of what was really happening behind the closed doors of the hospitals during the pandemic.”

She added of the Covid-19 drama: “Our NHS staff are nothing less than absolute heroes in my eyes, and I hope telling this story goes a little way towards us understanding their truth, their lived experience and honouring their unbelievable commitment and sacrifice on behalf of us all.” 

How to watch the new ITV Covid-19 drama Breathtaking

The show will air on ITV1 and ITVX with an official release date still to be announced.

Filming for the show in Belfast ended in May of this year, so it's likely the programme will be on our screens ready to watch by the end of 2023.

The Northern Echo: Some ITV viewers slammed the new show as 'depressing' (ITV/PA)Some ITV viewers slammed the new show as 'depressing' (ITV/PA) (Image: PA)

Fans slam new ITV Covid-19 drama Breathtaking as 'too soon' and 'depressing'

ITV viewers were quick to make their thoughts known about the new show with one writing: "Why would anyone watch a drama about a pandemic?? Relatives died, horrible memories of lockdown.. think this is an awful idea."

Another added: "Ummm.... No, we want to get away from it Sounds quite depressing! People are trying to look forward now, not relive it!"

One user simply said: "Too soon".