How can I watch Viewpoint episode 5 on ITV?
ITV have confirmed they have decided to pull the last episode of drama-thriller series Viewpoint in the wake of allegations surrounding lead star Noel Clarke.
Clarke is the subject of some serious allegations which accuse the actor of verbal abuse, bullying and sexual harassment.
Is Viewpoint on TV tonight?
ITV have confirmed the final episode of Viewpoint will not air tonight (Friday, April 30) at 9pm as planned.
An ITV spokesperson said: "ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment.
"In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian’s report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.
"We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode.
"As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion."
Why is it not airing on ITV?
A has revealed that just under a fortnight prior to his award at the Bafta ceremony, the organisation was made aware about the existence of several allegations of verbal abuse, bullying and sexual harassment against Clarke.
Though Bafta have not denied they received said emails, they claimed the allegations were made with little evidence - hindering their chance to investigate further.
Twenty women who have crossed paths with Clarke in a professional capacity have variously accused him of sexual harassment, unwanted touching or groping, sexually inappropriate behaviour and comments on set, professional misconduct, taking and sharing sexually explicit pictures and videos without consent, and bullying between 2004 and 2019.
Gina Powell, who worked for Clarke as a producer between September 2014 and March 2017, alleged that Clarke would harass her, while claiming on one occasion he told her that when he hired her, he had planned “to f*** her and fire her” before deciding to keep her on.
An ITV source added "Viewpoint is an ensemble production, made by the hard work of a 200 strong cast and crew.
"Neither producers Tiger Aspect or ITV have received any complaints about Noel Clarke’s behaviour during the making of this drama."
How can I watch episode 5?
Viewpoint will be available on The ITV Hub until Sunday night.
It will not be available to watch on any ITV platform after that time.
Sky, who have long had a working relationship with Clarke and air his award-winning series Bulletproof, have also announced they have "halted" all work with the star following the claims.
The broadcaster said: "Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarke's involvement in any future Sky productions."
It remains unclear what will happen with Bulletproof, which had a fourth series commissioned at the beginning of the year.
What is Viewpoint about?
The five-part ITV drama follows a tense police surveillance investigation into a tight-knit Manchester community and delves deep into the moral ethics of voyeurism.
It tells the story of police officer DC Martin Young, who sets up his observation post in the home of single mum and secret peeping tom/voyeur, Zoe Sterling.
Zoe’s windows provide a direct view into the home of missing primary school teacher, Gemma Hillman.
It’s a home she shares with her boyfriend and prime suspect in her disappearance, Greg Sullivan.
The series is loosely based on a true story experienced by the neighbour of the show's creator, Harry Bradbeer, after she was approached by a plain clothes police officer.
The officer asked for permission to perform crime surveillance in Bradbeer's neighbours back room.
Bradbeer said: “Her husband was away on business – it was both rather tense and erotic having this strange man in her flat.
"It struck me as a great premise for a TV series. What if the police are investigating a murder and what if a relationship developed between the policeman and his host?"
He added: “He was there for a couple of weeks, peering through a chink in the curtains, but never revealing who he was looking at.
"She became intrigued and gradually worked out it was a case of drug dealing in the opposite house but it was odd having this man there.”
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Viewpoint is available to watch on the ITV Hub until Sunday, May 2.