BBC Strike fans make the same point minutes into new Ink Black Heart series

Fans of the drama series Strike were all talking about the same thing just minutes into the latest series, Ink Black Heart. The new series, Strike: The Ink Black Heart, is based on the book of the same name and follows detective duo Cormoran Strike (Tom Burke) and Robin Ellacott (Holliday Grainger) as they investigate the death of popular cartoonist Edie Ledwell.

As Robin and Cormoran delve deeper into the case, they find themselves entangled in a complex web of online aliases, business interests and family disputes. Now in its sixth series, viewers are familiar with the pair's 'will they won't they' dynamic, with many fans eager for them to act on their feelings.

The opening episode on Monday evening (December 16) revisits this dynamic during a belated birthday dinner for Robin. After a pleasant dinner, Strike walks Ellacott to her taxi.

As they share a moment, Strike leans in for a kiss but Robin pulls away. This awkward encounter ends with Robin leaving in a taxi and a regretful Strike walking away.

Fans watching the near-kiss were left wanting more, but understood why the pair didn't kiss. One fan commented: "Why the hell did she do that. She likes him as well and now he feels rejected. God damn it," reports the Mirror.

Another viewer shared: "The chemistry between Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger is impeccable. So happy that #Strike is back!"

One viewer excitedly shared: "It's very rare that a TV adaptation of a book I love lives up to the source material, but this one does. Yes. Yes. Yes."

Whilst another added some contemplative thoughts: "Aww, loved that opening but wish they'd lingered a bit more over the *almost* kiss.."

Tom Burke, portraying Cormoran Strike, previously discussed the charged moment saying: "The way Robin talks about it, she thinks, had she kissed Cormoran back, he would've regretted it and then would have had to address it in a very awkward way."

The actor further elaborated on his character's internal turmoil. "I don't think Strike feels that way about it. He just thinks he's completely misread the situation, and a lot preceding it - going back years."

Speaking on the relatability of the series, he added: "It's very human, and everyone's been there - where you're never quite sure about how the other person feels and you boomerang between the extremes in guessing. It's the scariest thing on earth to make that leap of faith hoping that they feel the same way."

Strike: The Ink Black Heart is a gripping four-part series on BBC One with each episode clocking in around 60 minutes.

The thrilling journey commenced on Monday, December 16, at 9pm with the first instalment of Strike: The Ink Black Heart, followed by the second part the following evening (Tuesday, December 17), all on BBC One.

Anticipation builds as the final two episodes are set to broadcast consecutively on Monday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 24, maintaining the same prime time slot.

For viewers who can't wait, all episodes are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.