Since Baby Reindeer dropped on Netflix last week it has been the talk of the internet.
The harrowing series based on the real-life experiences of creator Richard Gadd has already claimed the number one TV show spot in the UK and USA.
Gadd, who plays a fictionalised version of himself as Donny Dunn is at the centre of a “strange and layered” relationship with a woman named Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning).
He also experiences serious sexual abuse from a high-up TV executive Darrien, played by Tom Goodman-Hill.
As the show is based on real events, the internet has naturally taken it upon itself to work out the mystery that Gadd never wanted to answer.
He has repeatedly refused to name any of the people the show is based on and has now been forced to issue a plea to viewers.
He shared to his Instagram story last night (Monday, April 22): "Hi everyone. People I love, have worked with and admire (including Sean Foley) are unfairly getting caught up in speculation.
Recommended reading:
Everything to know on the new Netflix drama-thriller series Baby Reindeer
The 'secret' Netflix codes that could help you find 'hidden' content
What time does Netflix release new shows and movies?
"Please don't speculate on who any of the real-life people could be. That's not the point of our show.
"Lots of love, Richard x X".
Who is 'Martha'?
He explained to GQ: “We’ve gone to such great lengths to disguise her to the point that I don’t think she would recognise herself.
“What’s been borrowed is an emotional truth, not a fact-by-fact profile of someone.”
He told The Independent in 2019 that "Martha" sent more than 41,000 emails, 350 hours of voicemail, 744 tweets, 46 Facebook messages, 106 pages of letters, sleeping pills, a woolly hat, a pair of brand new boxer shorts and a cuddly reindeer toy.
She also used to turn up outside his home and appear at his stand-up shows.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here