'The unspoken genocide'.

Last night's episode of ITV drama Victoria left many of its viewers shocked as it concentrated on the reality of the Great Irish Famine. Although this period of history is covered by the British education system, many viewers were shocked to hear the extent of the suffering borne by Irish people during this horrific time. The famine began in 1845 when blight destroyed the potato crop, it has been estimated that one million people died during the four-year famine and a further two million emigrated from the country. Last night, many Twitter users expressed their horror at what the Irish nation endured at this time while others praised Victoria's scriptwriters and producers for dealing with the subject in such a forthright and honest manner.

Just caught up on last night's #Victoria. Surprisingly honest portrayal of the Irish Famine Thank you @VictoriaSeries!

— Kelly-Marie Savage (@Kelly_Marie87) October 2, 2017

So much I never knew about the Irish potato famine. Few dramas would dare tell it so honestly. I wept tonight watching #Victoria

— Anne Sharples (@annakristina95) October 1, 2017

Daisy Goodwin, who can be credited with writing Victoria's plotlines, also took to social media and said there is 'ignorance' in the United Kingdom regarding the true events of the Great Irish Famine.

The ignorance in U.K if what happened in the Famine is shocking #Victoria #lessonsofhistory

— Daisy Goodwin (@DaisyGoodwin) October 1, 2017

Attitudes to Potato Famine in U.K. Classic example of #victimblaming #victoria

— Daisy Goodwin (@DaisyGoodwin) October 1, 2017

Daisy is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Dr Robert Traill, a real-life figure who campaigned to help people during the Famine and Daisy was able to pay tribute to him by including him in last night's episode.

RIP Dr Traill, your efforts were not forgotten. #Victoria pic.twitter.com/mhDol3OJV0

— Official Victoria (@VictoriaSeries) October 1, 2017

It's clear that it had a major impact on people watching, as you'll see from the below tweets.

I'd imagine the story of the #Irishfamine will be a first for many in the UK, the unspoken genocide #Victoria

— Clar Ni Fhearail (@clarefarrell) October 1, 2017

#Victoria , the famine episode.

The saddest so far and probably my favorite of all. ?? Amazing script and direction. Great acting from JC. — PRINCE MIGZ (@DakinTanner) October 2, 2017

Great episode of #Victoria about the brutal Irish potato famine.

— Poshaudrey (@Poshaudrey) October 1, 2017

The Irish potato famine.....heartbreaking.....& hard to believe the heartlessness of those who did nothing to stop it #Victoria

— Estella Joyce??‍♀️ (@LelJoyce) October 1, 2017

Stark reminder of the horrific famine the Irish had to suffer. Amazingly portrayed with brutal enlightenment #victoria

— Carly Marsh (@HopsonMarsh) October 1, 2017

Main image via Twitter: VictoriaSeries