Emmerdale has found itself at the centre of controversy after Ofcom confirmed it has received more than 150 complaints about a recent death scene that left viewers reeling.
The long-running ITV soap stunned audiences on August 21 when Mackenzie “Mack” Boyd, played by Lawrence Robb, was apparently killed off in brutal fashion after five years on the programme.
According to the broadcasting watchdog, 158 viewers contacted them following the harrowing scenes, which saw Mack fall victim to the soap’s newest villain, John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth).
Ahead of the episode, it had been reported that Mack’s exit would be particularly shocking, and many fans appear to have agreed — though not all for positive reasons. Social media was flooded with messages from stunned fans, with some accusing the show of going “too far.”
The storyline came to a head after Mack uncovered the truth about John’s deadly actions. Viewers have watched John emerge as a manipulative and dangerous presence in the village, having already been revealed as responsible for the death of Nate Robinson.
When Mack pieced together what had happened and attempted to send a warning text to Robert, John caught him in the act. Refusing to let Mack expose him, John chased him into the woods armed with a bow and arrow.
In the disturbing scenes that followed, Mack was shot in the back and chest. He managed to answer a phone call from Charity Dingle moments before John struck him again, knocking him unconscious with a rock. The episode ended with Mack left lifeless on the forest floor, his fate apparently sealed.
The violent exit has divided fans of the soap. Some praised the storyline for its drama and suspense, while others expressed outrage at the level of brutality shown before the watershed.
ITV has not yet commented on the complaints or confirmed whether Mackenzie Boyd’s death is permanent. Soap operas are known for their twists, and fans are already speculating whether he could somehow return.
For now, however, Emmerdale audiences appear united on one point: Mack’s shocking send-off will go down as one of the show’s most talked-about moments in years.
That is, until the show’s upcoming highly anticipated crossover with rival soap Coronation Street. January will mark the launch of the broadcaster’s big soap shake-up.
