'The Ipcress File' viewers complain Joe Cole is too young - but he's actually older than Michael Caine was in the same role

The Ipcress File viewers have been complaining that Joe Cole is too young to play spy Harry Palmer - but Michael Caine, who starred in the film version, was actually younger than him in the role.

A new adaptation of the Len Deighton Cold War thriller began on ITV on Sunday, with many of those watching drawing comparisons between former Peaky Blinders star Cole and Caine, who played Palmer in the 1965 film version.

Read more: Where was The Ipcress File filmed?

One viewer said of 33-year-old series star Cole: "Shouldn't Harry Palmer be in bed by now? He's got school tomorrow."

Another person tweeted: "Quite enjoying the #IpcressFile, but distracted by Harry Palmer looking about 18 years old."

Someone else added: "This new updated Harry Palmer actor doesn’t look old enough to buy fireworks let alone travel abroad unsupervised!"

Another viewer wrote: "I’m afraid I can’t get Michael Caine out of my head. This guy doesn’t have the presence, imo."

Read more: Joe Cole shines in Ipcress File revival

And someone else tweeted: "I’m so sorry but why is Harry Palmer being played by a 12 year old?"

However, Caine was actually slightly younger than Cole when he starred as Palmer aged 32 in the film adaptation.

One viewer joked: "You know that thing when people say you know you're getting old when policemen start looking younger...Well...Michael Caine was 5 years younger than Joe Cole playing the same role..."

Not everyone disagreed with Cole's casting, as one fan wrote: "I'm giving it a thumbs up. Joe Cole has achieved that cheeky chappy vibe."

Some viewers also complained about the use of Dutch angles - scenes being filmed at an angle - throughout the episode.

One viewer tweeted: "The wonky angles are too distracting for me. Keep expecting everyone to topple over."

Someone else added: "The jaunty camera angles in #IpcressFile are boring after only 10 minutes. Trying way too hard."

But another person commented: "There’s a lot of camera angle experts watching this. Presumably taking a day off from being experts in everything else."

Watch: See the trailer for The Ipcress File