The BBC's newest true crime drama The Serpent already has a legion of fans. Set in the 1970s, the series focuses around French serial killer Charles Sobraj (Tahar Rahim) and his girlfriend, Marie-Andrée Leclerc.
The latter is played by Doctor Who's Jenna Coleman, who has received heaps of praise on social media for her performance.
Charles Sobhraj, who is also known as The Bikini Killer (due to the outfits his victims wore) and The Serpent (due to his slippery and deceptive methods), is thought to have killed at least 12 backpackers in South-east Asia in the 1970s.
He managed to get away with his crimes for quite a while and ended up becoming Interpol's most wanted man before he was eventually captured in 1976, several months after he had begun his onslaught of murders. The Serpent also explores how Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle) relentlessly pursued the killer.
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Once he was caught in 1976, Sobhraj was jailed for 12 years, only charged with the manslaughter of two of the tourists. Jenna's character, Marie-Andrée Leclerc was prosecuted for the murder of Avoni Jacob in 1980. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1983, she was freed to return to her home in Canada where she died a year later aged 38.
One fan tweeted a series of pictures of Jenna Coleman in character and simply said: "Jenna Coleman come get that award".
Another fan added: "Absolutely gobsmacked by the performance of @Jenna_Coleman_ in #TheSerpent on the BBC. What an amazing actress."
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A third Twitter user shared: "Jenna Coleman is a unique acting talent. She never overplays a role, and she's entrancing to watch".
One viewer praised the casting of Jenna as Marie-Andrée Leclerc, tweeting: "Jenna Coleman as Marie-Andree.... phenomenal casting."
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"#TheSerpent is shaping up to be one of the best BBC dramas I've ever seen. If she hasn't already, @Jenna_Coleman_ should be given National Treasure status," said another satisfied viewer.
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A second Twitter user had praise for Jenna's French accent. "Jenna Coleman speaking French has given me clear skin," they said.
"Jenna is one of the best actresses she deserves more praise," added another viewer.
One woman said: "Jenna Coleman is fantastic"
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You can watch The Serpent on BBC iPlayer now or you can watch it on BBC One, Sundays at 9pm.
Topics: TV and Film, True Crime, BBC, Twitter
