Channel 5's The Teacher Series Three Debuts Amidst Viewer Controversy
The third series of Channel 5's anthology drama The Teacher premiered on Monday, March 30, but within minutes, fans voiced significant complaints on social media. Many expressed frustration with the show's direction, with one viewer stating, "I'm not going to be able to watch this!" as the episode unfolded.
New Lead and Intense School Conflicts
This installment features Victoria Hamilton, known for her role in Unforgotten, as the new lead character Helen Simpson. Helen is an outspoken drama teacher with three decades of experience, working at an exclusive private boarding school. The storyline quickly introduces a clash with pupil Cressida Bancroft, portrayed by Alice Grant.
Cressida, a student, locks horns with Helen over multiple issues, branding her a "woke warrior" in an attempt to gain popularity. Their disagreements extend to non-binary pupil Dee Rainford-Thomas, played by Ellis Jupiter, and the use of correct pronouns. The tension escalates as Cressida sets out to ruin Helen, eventually targeting the teacher's family, including her son Sam, played by Olly Rhodes.
Viewer Reactions and Social Media Uproar
Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to share mixed reactions. Some were highly critical, with one writing, "I was really looking forward to this. But wow it’s Woke AF #TheTeacher." Another commented, "Five minutes in and I seriously am not gonna be able to watch this." A third remarked on the portrayal of family dynamics, calling it "tiresome."
However, not all feedback was negative. Some viewers expressed enjoyment, with one penning, "Tuned in @channel5_tv for #TheTeacher new drama looks great," and another agreeing, "This is brilliant #TheTeacher."
Tragic Turn and Ongoing Drama
The episode took a dark turn when Dee confronted Helen, who declared, "you'd be better off dead," leading to Dee taking their own life. Viewers learned that Cressida captured the fiery exchange on camera, setting the stage for future episodes as she plans to use it against Helen.
Channel 5's Response to Huw Edwards Criticism
In related news, Channel 5 has hit back at disgraced former BBC News anchor Huw Edwards after he condemned the broadcaster's new drama series, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards. The drama, starring Martin Clunes as Edwards, follows the real-life story of how the BBC presenter became the centre of a grooming scandal.
Edwards, who presented BBC's News at Ten for decades and broke major stories like the death of Queen Elizabeth II, pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children in July 2024. He was suspended by the BBC in July 2023 and received a six-month suspended sentence in September 2024 for his crimes, which included secretly grooming a vulnerable 17-year-old boy.
Before the drama aired on Tuesday, March 24, Edwards alleged that Channel 5 made "no attempt to check the truth" with him, claiming they belatedly asked for a response after production and refused to disclose if contributors were paid.
Channel 5 responded firmly, with a spokesman stating that the series is based on extensive interviews with the victim, his family, journalists, text exchanges, and court reporting. The spokesman added, "All allegations made in the film were put to Huw Edwards via his solicitors six weeks before transmission," and emphasized that it was produced in accordance with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.
