Viewers brand Sheridan Smith’s new drama The Moorside the ‘best show of 2017’ as the Shannon Matthews story sends Twitter into meltdown

VIEWERS were bowled over tonight by the new BBC drama The Moorside, branding it the "best show of 2017" so far.

The two-part series follows the story of missing Shannon Matthews, who was drugged and hidden under a bed by her mother Karen Matthews in a bid to claim the reward money for her return.

It has an all star cast of Sheridan Smith, Downton Abbey's Siobhan Finnerean and Game of Thrones star Gemma Whelan, who plays mum Karen.

The Moorside retells the story of the manhunt from the perspective of the friends of Karen Matthews.

Sheridan plays the leading lady of neighbour Julie Bushby, the chair of the Moorside residents and tenants association that helped trace Shannon.

The show immediately had viewers gripped, with fans taking to Twitter to praise the drama and its actors.

They were also impressed by the sensitivity that was taken in portraying such an emotional story that had gripped the nation.

One fan said: "This is without doubt the best drama of 2017 so far. #themoorside"

Another commented: "#TheMoorside has been excellent. Great acting from #SheridanSmith as always, and a sensitive portrayal of the local community."

This one tweeted: "Sheridan Smith and Gemma Whelan on #TheMoorside are outstanding. Despite the horrific story, I am really enjoying their performances."

Fans also rushed to praise leading lady Sheridan for her performance.

The story centres around the events of 2008, when schoolgirl Shannon went missing after disappearing after a swimming trip.

Her mum Karen was seen pleading on TV for the safe girl’s return as West Yorkshire Police spent £3.2million to find her safe.

Hundreds of neighbours also joined in the 24-day search for the nine-year-old.

She was eventually discovered drugged inside the base of a double bed in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

It was then revealed that Karen had orchestrated the plot, so she could bag the £50,000 reward money with her accomplice Michael Donovan.

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