Michelle Keegan had her hotly anticipated debut in the leading role in the BBC’s second series of Our Girl.
And, after months of waiting to see how she would tackle the role of Corporal Georgie Lane, viewers were mostly thrilled with her performance in the gritty drama.
Fans dubbed the 29-year-old as “beautiful” and “stunning” in her portrayal of the Army medic, especially considering the hot and dusty conditions of the show, which was filmed in South Africa.
There were plenty more comments about her acting prowess, with the words “amazing” and “brilliant” being bandied about.
Omgggggg #OurGirl soooo amazing!!!!! How can I wait another week! Unreal!
— Zara Holland (@zaraholland11) September 7, 2016
@michkeegan #OurGirl looking absolutely stunning
— GertieTheGoodGooseUK (@GoodGooseUK) September 7, 2016
@michkeegan @BBCOne Great first episode, can't wait for next week ð Michelle is a fabulous actress ⺠#OurGirl
— Mrs Brit (@littlenic1976) September 7, 2016
oh my god #OurGirl was absolutely amazing! ð¬ð¥ @michkeegan
— dani (@ohitsdani_) September 7, 2016
God that last scene was intense #OurGirl brilliant acting from @michkeegan
— Verona (@veronasmithx) September 7, 2016
@michkeegan was brill ðð» #OurGirl
— Michelle Byrne (@MichelleByrne21) September 7, 2016
@michkeegan in #OurGirl was just unbelievable & beautiful throughout!! ð I'm already waiting for this time next week ð
— LEM (@LEMcIIhargey) September 7, 2016
Preferring this season of #OurGirl. Michelle Keegan is bloody good. Very gritty and current.
— Kristian Stock (@stockristian) September 7, 2016
Flipping brilliant #OurGirl. Well done @michkeegan, you were fab and I can't wait for the next 5 episodes ðð
— taveini (@taveini) September 7, 2016
Michelle Keegan smashes it every time #OurGirl
— aims (@aimeedalton_) September 7, 2016
#OurGirl wasn't half bad. Had no idea Michelle Keegan could actually act.
— Nicks (@WilliamNichs) September 7, 2016
However, there was also an overarching sense of somebody being missed: the first series’ leading actress, Lacey Turner.
Michelle took over in the starring position in the drama from the EastEnders actress, who played Molly Dawes, a down-and-out young woman who joins the Army due to her life going nowhere.
It seems that for many on Twitter, Michelle just couldn’t live up to her predecessor.
Lacey did it better ððð¼ #ourgirl @LaceyTurner pic.twitter.com/ZBFZMCwjV6
— Oli MacKenzie (@apeoli22) September 7, 2016
Michelle Keegan was good but she's not quite Lacey turner #OurGirl
— Rachel Bevan (@Rach_Bevan12) September 7, 2016
#OurGirl was an awesome first episode Michelle Keegan is on great actor but no comparison to Lacey turner ! looking forward to next week's
— Ellie Crook (@0013ellie) September 7, 2016
Lacey was so good though ð #OurGirl
— Lissy (@AliciaTarr561) September 7, 2016
I love #OurGirl, but, Lacey Turner was phenomenal, she should have continued the filming!
— Jess⨠(@xjessica_anne) September 7, 2016
Awwww they mentioned Molly!!! #ourgirl
— Noke. (@sophiewallis_) September 7, 2016
Michelle Keagan has some big shoes to fill in Our Girl after Lacey Turner! #OurGirl
— Angela J Young (@angelajyoung) September 7, 2016
I'm glad Molly got a mention, gonna miss Lacey in this series #OurGirl
— Hannah (@Hannah_Nataliee) September 7, 2016
Lacey Turner set the bar so high and I'm afraid Michelle Keegan doesn't even come close. #OurGirl
— Curtis (@CurtisBebro) September 7, 2016
do not see the hype about Michelle Keegan, Lacey was so much better ð #OurGirl
— morgan (@_morganp_) September 7, 2016
Not entirely convinced by new #OurGirl So far would have to say I preferred the Lacey Turner series
— Matt Walby (@MattWalby1) September 7, 2016
#OurGirl I wish Lacey Turner was still in it though
— á¯É±Ï (@AmyIsHeRe) September 7, 2016
Former Coronation Street actress Michelle was revealed as Lacey’s replacement after the latter decided not to take part in the next instalment of Our Girl.
The second series opened with Georgie being dispatched to Kenya on a humanitarian mission, after being jilted at the altar.
It was a dramatic opener, as she battle with adverse conditions at the start of her six-week posting in the African country, and the episode ended with her being taken hostage by Al-Shabaab militants.
She said the role had amplified her respect for people in the armed forces: “Don’t get me wrong, you always respect people in the armed forces, but I have newfound respect for them, it is unbelievable what they do for the country.”
The series also stars Luke Pasqualino as Special Forces officer Elvis Harte, and Ben Aldridge as Captain Charles James.
Our Girl continues next Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One.
