BOLTON’S Maxine Peake has won praise for her role in the powerful BBC drama about the Rochdale abuse scandal.

Maxine plays Sara Rowbotham, the whistleblower and sexual health worker in the true story of widespread grooming and sexual assault of girls and young women in Rochdale by a gang of Asian men, which was revealed in 2012.

Viewers took to Twitter to praise her performance.

Jemma Hughes wrote: “I honestly think Maxine Peake is one of the most underrated actresses! Three Girls is harrowing, yet necessary viewing.”

Rob Sandy wrote: "Got to say I thought Maxine Peake was at her absolute best in Three Girls."

Danielle J Gearing wrote: "Stunning performances by Paul Kaye and Maxine Peake in a new BBC drama Three Girls."

The first of the three part drama aired Tuesday and will conclude on Thursday.