The four-part ITV series, Until I Kill You, first aired on Sunday night and viewers have been glued to the ITV crime drama
(Image: ITV)

Until I Kill You fans praise Anna Maxwell Martin's role in ITV drama as 'award-worthy'

by · Manchester Evening News

Viewers of the ITV series Until I Kill You were left emotional on Wednesday night, insisting that lead actress Anna Maxwell Martin deserves an award for her 'powerful' performance.

The four-part crime drama, which first aired on Sunday, has captivated audiences as actress Anna, 47, portrayed the character of Delia Balmer and her harrowing story.

The series recounts how Delia, a Canadian agency nurse living in London, began a relationship with John Sweeney, played by Shaun Evans in the drama, after meeting him in a local pub in 1991.

However, their relationship took a dark turn when he attacked her and confessed to murdering his former girlfriend in Amsterdam and disposing of her body in a canal.

The four-part crime drama, which first aired on Sunday, has captivated audiences
(Image: ITV)

During the final episode, which aired on Wednesday night (November 6), viewers followed the aftermath of Delia being attacked and abused by serial killer Sweeney.

After surviving with life-changing injuries, she left the hospital and attempted to move on with her life. However, it wasn’t over yet.

Sweeney was eventually arrested for his attacks and Delia later testified against him in court but it wasn’t the outcome she was hoping for, as Sweeney was given a light sentence.

As a result, Delia had nightmares and panic attacks, but she was mostly angry at the way the police had behaved towards her.

Anna Maxwell-Martin as Delia Balmer and Shaun Evans as John Sweeney
(Image: ITV)

Almost a decade later, police in Amsterdam identified Melissa Halstead's body and liaised with officers in London to put a case together and Sweeney later confessed the truth, receiving a sentence of life in prison.

Upon the series' conclusion, actress Anna, star of Motherland, has been showered with accolades for her portrayal as Delia. Taking to Twitter, now X, one fan expressed: "Anybody watching #UntilIkillyou I do hope #AnnaMaxwellMartin gets awards for this. She has been amazing. What a powerful series this has been."

Another viewer shared their excitement: "My husband and I have been glued to this, AMM is absolutely incredible, what an actress #untilikillyou." A third described the series' impact: "A hard watch but brilliantly told. An important story. Anna Maxwell Martin giving the performance of her career. And that last image of Delia - so striking. #UntilIKillYou."

Upon the series conclusion, actress Anna, star of Motherland, has been showered with accolades for her portrayal as Delia
(Image: ITV)

Further admiration came from another fan who enjoyed the show's suspense: "That was brilliant. Shaun Evans was so menacing throughout and an amazing performance from Anna Maxwell Martin. What an incredible, brave woman Delia Balmer is."

An emotional viewer praised: "Anna Maxwell Martin as Delia Balmer #untilikillyou .... A strong, incredible woman, and a 'true' and extraordinary story of how much a survivor suffers and also survives. Best thing I've watched for ages!"

Meanwhile, recognition for the portrayal's authenticity was echoed by another: "Such a powerful portrayal of Delia from Anna Maxwell Martin.. Superb acting , worthy of a BAFTA.. without a doubt, and excellent writing from @yogdaws ... Delia Balmer's story ..You did it justice. Well done Nick Stevens #UntilIKillYou."

Until I Kill You is available to watch on ITV and ITV X.