The BBC One series Three Girls, based on the sex grooming ring active in Rochdale between 2008 and 2012, started on Tuesday.
Viewers have been left shocked by the portrayal of the horrifying events, and Molly Windsor,19, who plays 15-year-old Holly Winshaw in the show, has revealed filming it made her “angry”.
Speaking to the Guardian, she said: “What I found most challenging was that it was true.
“Whereas this is too much – it made me really angry while I was playing her.
“I don’t think the abuse will ever leave her again, but she is brave enough to go through it again with us to film it.
“I think she should be really proud of it.”
The second episode of three-part series, which concludes this evening, aired last night – and viewers have been praising Maxine Peake’s performance as Sara Rowbotham.
One wrote: “Maxine Peake is just a sensational actress, just sensational. Her portrayal of this sexual health worker is incredible.”
And another added: ““Maxine Peake is making this true life drama as the enlightened one.”
Lisa Riley, who plays the mother of abuse victims Amber and Ruby, and Lesley Sharp, who plays DC Margaret Oliver, were also heavily praised.
Three Girls concludes tonight at 9pm on BBC One.