THE long-awaited TV debut of fictitious detective Roy Grace has been met with praise from critics.

The popular character, the creation of top-selling crime author Peter James, premiered on our screens on Sunday evening in the first episode of Grace.

Television critics have praised Grace for its originality, with some calling it a “cut above” other detective dramas.

The Guardian called it “a twisty race against time” and applauded John Simm for his portrayal of Roy Grace.

Reviewer Lucy Mangan wrote: “This ITV adaptation of Peter James’s crime novel is full of immensely satisfying action – plus a star lead performance.”

Ed Cumming, writing for The Independent, said John Simm gives a “winning performance.”

He wrote: “It’s almost inconceivable Simm hasn’t already been in a long-running franchise about a grizzled, old detective and I expect the wait’s over.”

Writing for The Telegraph, arts and entertainment editor Anita Singh said: “ITV serves up what the customer wants, and our appetite for crime mysteries doesn’t seem to be waning.

“Grace, based on the bestselling novels by Peter James, has all the usual elements: a world-weary detective with a sad past, a younger sidekick, a quirk – in this case, visiting mediums to help crack cases – and a boss who doesn’t like mavericks but concedes that they do get results.”