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© ITVDownton Abbey's Anna Bates was left battered and bruised after being attacked by Mr Green
Fans of hit show Downton Abbey were left in shock last night, after popular house maid Anna Bates was beaten and raped.

Hundreds of viewers took to Twitter to air their disgust after the popular character, played by Joanne Froggatt, was left battered and bruised after being sexually abused by newcomer Mr Green.

A message was played before the third episode in the new series, warning that that it contained "violent scenes that some viewers may find upsetting."

However, despite the warning, many fans were left "distressed" and reprimanded writer Julian Fellowes' decision to air the scene.

"Can someone tell me what the point was of that rape scene in Dowton Abbey? It merely reminded me that all men are potential rapists," wrote one viewer.

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© ITVThe new character started kissing the married maid without her consent

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© ITV
While another added: "Thanks Downton Abbey and ITV for showing that rape - endemic, under-reported + under-punished in a victim-blaming society - as entertainment."

Mr Green's character, played by Nigel Harman, was a highly anticipated addition to the Downton cast, after it was reported that he was set to stir up trouble between Anna and Bates, however fans were not impressed with the storyline.

After being confronted by the guest valet, Anna was left wrestling with him after he attempted to kiss her against her will.

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© ITVThe violent scenes proved too much for some fans of the show

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© ITV
But as she finally managed to break free from his grasp, he punched her and left her bleeding on the ground.

And while the episode did not explicitly show any sexual violence, screaming and striking could be heard as an exterior shot of the room was being shown.

Mrs Bates later appeared distressed and bloody as she begged her fellow servant for help.

And despite being shows after the watershed of 9pm, many fans announced that they were so distressed by the scenes that they planned to either boycott the programme or make an official complaint.

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© ITVMrs Bates was left wrestling with the guest valet on last night's episode

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© ITVThe blonde star was left bleeding as she asked a fellow servant for help following the attack
One angry viewer wrote: "Why. Why is there a rape scene on my television? This is horrible. Definitely not watching Downton Abbey again."

While another added: "For ~family drama~ Downton Abbey to use violence against women as a plot point is morally reprehensible.

"I can't support Julian Fellowes in depicting rape in a show that treats missing tuxedo shirts as a major crisis."

Now in its fourth series, Downton Abbey is one of the most popular dramas on British television, attracting a peak audience of 10.5million when it returned to screens last month.