Playing Nice viewers rage ‘I would like solutions!’ as they sink claws into ITV for ‘huge plot holes and no closure’ in ‘infuriating’ finale

Playing Nice viewers were left baffled after an ‘infuriating’ ending featuring ‘massive plot holes and no closure’, with some demanding ‘answers’ in the minutes after it aired. 

The fourth and final instalment of the ITV mini-series aired on Monday night with fans intrigued as to how the show, based on the book by JP Delaney, would conclude.

Tension had been mounting after an intriguing opening run of episodes based on the discovery that two couples’ babies, Theo and David, had been swapped at birth.

Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay) and Pete (James Norton) and Maddie (Niamh Algar) had the shocking revelation early in the series and the drama tracked Pete and Maddie’s fight to keep their son Theo and the impact it had on each couple’s lives.

It all built up to who would be granted custody of each child and whether the inter-couple backstabbing would eventually take its toll.

But fans did not get the satisfying denouement they craved with no answers provided on where which son would end up and a rather bizarre plot twist shoe-horned in.

One said: ‘So no real closure on what happened with Miles and who exactly has custody of who? I assume Lisa is allowed to be there because they’re letting her? I need answers!’

Another irritated viewer added: ‘So @jginorton and co are brilliant actors- also fantastic scenery and camera work. Massive holes in the plot though? Loving it but It’s quite infuriating.’  

A third posted: ‘That last episode of Playing Nice was a bit disappointing and the ending was rather silly. No way would they get away with that. Also, an extra episode was needed for more backstory on Miles and his disturbing past.’

One user added: ‘I’m confused as to what the custody agreement was? Also surley there will be an investigation into Miles’ death? A few major things thats hould be clarified better no?’

Another frustrated fan said: ‘Playing Nice is the most infuriating piece of TV I’ve ever watched. Every single thing that happens has my blood absolutely BOILING.’

The finale took a dramatic turn as Miles was pushed off a Cornish cliff after being hit by a rock by Lucy.

Lucy then joined Maddie and Pete on a beach along with their two children in an ending which left much unresolved. 

Viewers were left baffled as to who got custody of which child and why Miles’ death went almost entirely unnoticed.

Initially, the couples had agreed to ‘play nice’ in the aftermath of the shocking news but Miles upset the peace by vowing to secure custody of both Theo and David. 

Meanwhile, it also emerged that Lucy had intentionally let the babies be swapped to avoid her son having to grow up under Miles.

Last week James hit back at criticism towards the programme, defending the ‘far-fetched’ plot lines after the ITV drama sparked a wave of complaints.

During the chat, James explained that he thinks there’s a space for dramas like Playing Nice because it ‘brings people together’.

Some viewers have called the programme ‘unrealistic’, but James hit back saying on The Chris Evans Show with The National Lottery on Virgin Radio UK on Thursday: ‘Now that I’m producing, you’re looking for stakes and there are no higher stakes than kids.

‘Family, either your parents or your children, they are the thing which you have that 4am anxiety about.

‘So this… I mean, look, I don’t want to push back on… the people who are finding it too much… It’s drama.’