Viewers cannot stop bingeing ‘weirdly intriguing but ridiculously bad’ stalker drama

A Channel 5 stalker drama that has chilling echoes to Holly Willoughby’s kidnap ordeal has been described as a ‘ridiculously bad’ but ‘weirdly intriguing’ watch by viewers.

Number One Fan sees soap legend Jill Halfpenny play daytime TV presenter Lucy Logan, who, despite her seemingly perfect life, gets targeted by unhinged stalker Donna Hughes (Sally Lindsay).

The four-part potboiler, which also features Sharlene Whyte as manager Mel and Daniel Adegboyega as Shawn Logan, sees Lucy’s world slowly come tumbling down as Donna becomes more obsessed.

It comes less than two years after security guard Gavin Plumb was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 16 years, for plotting to kidnap, rape and murder Willoughby.

The plot saw the former This Morning presenter quit the show, and since then, she has rarely been seen on screen.

Reacting to the first episode of the series, which aired on Monday, viewers shared some mixed opinions on social media, as X user Lynn called it ‘terrible’.

‘I don’t know if I can manage another episode… This is really, really bad,’ she continued.

Brooke also called it ‘far fetched’ as Chloe added: ‘What in the GCSE acting is this #numberonefan so bad it’s good.

‘The way this show is cringing me out so badly, but yet I can’t stop watching it bc it’s so weirdly intriguing this is ridiculously bad.’

Meanwhile, Yvonne similarly slammed the show by saying: ‘It’s awful acting, the god-awful script, the pensive stares, the sets… not to mention the story. It’s sooo TV daytime drama!

‘Not one to put on the CV I think for anyone involved 😅 #numberonefan.’

However, despite the negative response, many fans said they ‘loved it’ and were looking forward to bingeing it.

Describing Jill and Sally as ‘two TV soap legends’, Michelle questioned: ‘Great episode of #NumberOneFan tonight! Now, do I watch the series live across the week, or do I binge?’

Sophie also declared: ‘Just watched the first episode of Number One Fan on channel 5, Sally Lindsay is absolutely brilliant in it.’

Kirsty added: ‘Both actresses take a bow! Need more of the two working together,’ as John also said: ‘I just knew this show was gonna be incredible.’

Last year, Willoughby reportedly criticised Channel 5’s documentary about Plumb’s twisted fixation on the presenter, which is called The Plot to Kill holly Willoughby.

According to The Sun, Holly ‘objected’ to a supposed earlier name of the programme, which was said to be called Stalking Holly Willoughby.

The source said: ‘Producers are ploughing ahead in making it regardless’ because they know it will be a ‘ratings hit’.

‘She declined to be interviewed by producers about the ordeal, and her reps informed Channel 5 she wasn’t technically stalked, so their title is incorrect.

‘There is also concern that the events will be sensationally dramatised for effect. It’s an awkward move, as it’s not their story to tell.’

The insider also expressed concerns that production will bring back ‘horrendous memories for entertainment purposes when she is just trying to move on with her life’.

Metro has contacted Holly Willoughby for comment.

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