BBC King and Conqueror viewers 'switch off' new drama after just 15 minutes

King and Conqueror aired on BBC One last night and viewers were quick to share their thoughts.

The new BBC drama, King and Conquerer, left viewers with mixed feelings as they tuned in to watch the first episode last night, Sunday, August 24.

The series tells the tale of Harold of Wessex, played by James Norton, and William of Normandy, portrayed by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, on the lead up to their infamous clash at the 1066 Battle of Hastings.

Initially allies, the pair soon found themselves at odds as they both sought to claim the crown. The drama series, which aired on the BBC yesterday evening, delves into their story.

James Norton not only stars as Harold of Wessex but also serves as an Executive Producer on the series.

Discussing his dual roles, he said: "In terms of producing – talking about power! – I loved it.

"It was a very humbling experience walking onto those sound stages and seeing the world that we had built, these huge castles and interiors.

"It was Rob Taylor as well, our producing partner, who was massively influential in making the show happen. We're all relatively early in our producing careers, and so it was a massive moment for us.

"To Kitty's credit, I had to step back from producing responsibilities when we started shooting because I had to concentrate on Harold.

"I am incredibly proud of what we made and of the process of making it – how harmonious, enjoyable and creative that was."

Kitty Kaletsky, who also served as executive producer on the programme, said of collaborating with James: "It's a total joy working with James and a real thing to behold when he so expertly manages to flip between the character that he's playing and wearing that executive producer hat.

"He's at once incredibly opinionated, articulate and creatively led, but also never the loudest voice in the room and is really deferential to the other people that we're working with," reports the Mirror.

"It shifts when he's on set - we wear different hats because he has to devote himself to the role and to the character - but he never totally switches off because he knows it's his production and that he has a responsibility not just to the project, but to the cast and the crew to sort of hold his head high."

However, viewers were swift to voice their opinions on the BBC programme, with many highlighting an identical issue with the language used.

One penned: "Gave up after 15 minutes. Terrible dialogue, terrible acting, terrible sound. #kingandconqueror."

Another complained: "Was looking forward to King And Conqueror but what a disappointment. What is this trend of using modern language and phrases that would never have been heard in the times portrayed.

"The BBC used to be the best at this kind of drama. Not anymore. #KingAndConqueror," whilst a third declared: "The language is completely wrong in every which way!"