Sherwood series two is arguably one of the best TV dramas of 2024 so far, but it's also had its fair share of critics - due to the actors' attempts at a Nottingham accent.

After a hugely successful series 1 in 2022, the Nottingham-based drama series returned in 2024 with a new story. However, some of the complaints were the same.

Namely, that very few of the actors - some of them the most popular on television - had mastered the unique accent.

Here's what a dialect coach exclusively told tvguide.co.uk about the problems facing any actor attempting the accent in Sherwood.

Sherwood criticised for Nottingham accents

Some of TV's finest actors star in Sherwood on BBC One - including David Morrissey, Lesley Manville, Lorraine Ashbourne and Monica Dolan (I could go on, but we'd seriously be here all day).

Series 1 received multiple BAFTA nods, and deserved all of them. But that hasn't stopped some viewers from criticising the actors' attempts at the Nottinghamshire accent.

The series is set in the fictional town of Ashfield in Nottingham, and very few of the actors are from Nottingham themselves. Step forward Perry Fitzpatrick - who plays Rory Sparrow - and Robert Lindsay (aka Franklin Warner) who are both from Nottingham.

What have critics said about the accents in Sherwood?

Armchair critics were quick to rib the series about the accents in Sherwood.

One viewer wrote: "Loving Sherwood. But every person from Nottingham hearing the actors' attempts at the accent... [insert angry face]."

Another said: "I just wish the actors in Sherwood could do this accent, instead of a vaguely northern twang with the odd 'me duck' thrown in."

A third chimed in with: "Still a huge shame on the amount of poor attempts at the Notts accent."

"Sherwood was a good one tonight, but the accents!!!" said another. "Who is their accent coach? Charity Shop Sue?!?"

However, some were more sympathetic. One wrote: "I think our Nottingham/East Midlands accent is quite hard for any actor to get right... #Sherwood."

Dialect coach defends the accents in Sherwood

Keith Higinbotham - dialect specialist, voice director, and founder of Voice with Keith - is all too aware of the challenges facing actors trying to master the Nottingham accent.

In an exclusive insight shared with tvguide.co.uk, he explains how a dialect coach approaches an accent, and why attempting the accent is trickier than most.

He told us: "As dialect coaches for TV, film, and video games, our job goes way beyond simply telling actors how to sound. We're like accent detectives, diving deep into research to ensure we're nailing the authenticity of each character's voice.

"Finding the right accent is no walk in the park. We're not just looking at where a character's from, but also WHEN they're from. Accents change faster than you might think, and in today's world, that time frame can be incredibly short."

Keith went on to reveal that a voice coach must "literally create an accent instruction manual" before teaching the actors. However, he explains that they are "often juggling time constraints, actors with varying levels of skill, and differing creative opinions from everyone involved".

The Nottinghamshire accents in Sherwood have divided opinions

Talking about Sherwood specifically, he said: "The Nottinghamshire accents in the series have sparked some seriously divided opinions. Some viewers are praising its authenticity, while others are less than thrilled.

"This particular accent is notoriously challenging because it's a unique blend of northern and southern elements, which can be jarring for both performers and audiences."

However, Keith believes the performances in Sherwood are "skillful and nuanced".

Sherwood series 2 concludes on Monday, September 09, 2024 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.