The serene charm of Grantchester, the picturesque Cambridgeshire village famed for its meadows and historic church, has been shattered by the very television drama that bears its name. Furious residents have launched a scathing critique against ITV, accusing the production of 'ruining' the village with its disruptive filming practices and, most bizarrely, the installation of what they deem 'embarrassing' artificial wisteria.
The discontent isn't merely about temporary inconvenience. Locals report a severe impact on their daily lives and the village's fundamental character. The production's need to control the environment has led to streets being blocked off for hours, preventing access to homes and businesses. One resident poignantly described the village as being treated like 'a film set and not a place where people live', highlighting the deep friction between reality and cinematic fiction.
The 'Cringeworthy' Fake Flora
At the heart of the controversy is the show's use of blatantly fake foliage. In an attempt to maintain a consistent aesthetic regardless of the season, the production team has adorned the iconic The Green Man pub and other buildings with unconvincing plastic wisteria and other artificial plants.
Residents have not held back their disdain, labelling the props as 'awful' and 'cringeworthy'. The sentiment is that this artificial enhancement is an insult to the village's natural beauty, creating a patently false and embarrassing representation for the millions who watch the show.
A Community's Plea
The backlash has moved beyond grumbles at the pub. The parish council has felt compelled to intervene, formally requesting that ITV and production company Kudos make a substantial donation to village funds. This gesture is seen as necessary compensation for the significant disruption and for the perceived damage to the village's reputation.
Despite the uproar, a spokesperson for the show offered a defence, stating that Grantchester remains 'incredibly supportive' of the production. They emphasised the economic benefits brought to the local area, including hiring local crew and facilities. This response, however, has done little to placate those who feel their home has been turned into a tacky film lot, leaving a bitter dispute between preserving authentic community life and the demands of prime-time television.
