Viewpoint cast: who stars in the drama with Noel Clarke, what is it about - and why ITV has pulled final episode

Telly fans have been enjoying brand new police drama Viewpoint this week, with the show making its ITV debut on Monday (26 April) night.

The gripping series is centred on a tense police surveillance investigation into a tight knit Manchester community, and the story has been unfolding on ITV every night this week.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new drama and how to watch the final episode.

What is Viewpoint about?

The exciting thriller follows the story of Detective Martin Young, played by Noel Clarke, who is part of the police surveillance unit tasked with solving a mystery in the seemingly close community.

When primary school teacher Gemma Hillman (Amy Wren) goes missing, DC Young and Stella Beckett are given the task of putting her boyfriend under surveillance.

Young sets up his observation post in the home of single mum and secret voyeur Zoe Sterling, whose windows offer a panoramic view of Westbury Square and the home Gemma shared with Greg Sullivan, who is the prime suspect in her disappearance.

However, Young is a Man carrying his own burden of trauma and guilt and he starts to question if he can trust what he observes, and if his developing feelings for Sterling could be compromising his ability to do his job.

ITV describe the new drama as "mining the paranoid hinterland of Rear Window and The Lives Of Others", saying it will "deliver a contemporary, character-driven murder mystery with a seductively intimate feel”.

It adds: "It’s as much about friendship, trust and community as it is about solving a crime - it’s about the tension between our public and private lives and the secrets and horrors that thrive behind closed doors……especially when we think no-one’s watching."

Who is in the cast?

Noel Clarke plays the role of DC Martin Young, an officer in the Manchester police surveillance unit investigating the mysterious disappearance of primary school teacher Gemma King.

Clarke has won huge acclaim for his TV and film roles, as well as a director, and is well known for playing Sam in the series of Kidulthood films.

Alexandra Roach plays the part of Zoe Sterling, the woman whose house DC Young commandeers for the surveillance.

Roach is known for her role as Joy Freers in Channel 4's brilliant No Offence, and also recently starred in Killing Eve and Death in Paradise for the BBC.

Fehinti Balogun plays the part of Greg Sullivan, the boyfriend of the missing teacher Gemma Hillman, who swiftly becomes prime suspect.

Balogun is known for film roles including in Juliet, Naked, in thriller The Gallery and on Sky TV's Urban Myths.

Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley plays the role of Kate Tuckman, and Dominic Allburn plays her husband Carl Tuckman. On the face of it they look like the perfect couple, behind the scenes all is not quite as it seems.

Tyldesley went on to star on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, as well as in the BBC's comedy drama Scarborough, while Allburn starred in the film The Model and the drama series A Place to Call Home.

Bronagh Waugh plays the part of DC Stella Beckett, a tough and world-weary police officer, and will be recognised by many Hollyoaks fans as the lovable Cheryl Brady.

Phil Davis plays the role of DI Liam Cox, the head of Manchester's special surveillance unit and the boss of Stella and Martin.

Davis is best known for film roles in Vera Drake, Quadrophenia and The Bounty, while his TV roles include in Bleak House, Being Human and Whitechapel.

The cast also includes Sarah Niles, Shannon Murray, Marcus Garvey, Amy Wren, Hubert Hanowicz, Karen Henthorn, Andrew Hawley, Erin Shanagher and Kila Lord Cassidy.

How many episodes are there?

Viewpoint is a five-part series and has aired on ITV every night this week at 9pm.

How can I watch the final episode?

In light of allegations of sexual harassment made against Noel Clarke, which has led to Bafta suspending his membership and his Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award, ITV has pulled tonight’s (30 April) final episode from its primetime 9pm slow.

Instead, the episode will briefly be available on the ITV hub for viewers who wish to see how the story ends.

In a statement, ITV 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.”

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