Virgin River season five has been a hit with fans but there is one storyline that has been particularly divisive –

and some Netflix viewers are threatening to switch off. Virgin River enthusiasts have been lambasting

the show’s recent instalment on Netflix for taking its characters on some unexpected journeys.

The fervour around the love exploits of Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) is set to heighten as the eagerly awaited season six of the beloved rural saga approaches.

Meanwhile, fans are hotly debating the narrative thus far, which includes a contentious moment from star-crossed lovers Denny Cutler (Kai Bradbury) and Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale).

The fourth series introduces Denny as Doc Mullins’ (Tim Matheson) long-lost grandson, embroiled in controversy when he’s discovered pilfering pills from the clinic and shifting a hefty amount of money.

Initially pegged as a potential scam artist, the plot twists sombrely when it’s unveiled that Denny requires medication for Huntington’s disease, an incurable illness leading to the degeneration of brain cells, reports the Daily Record.

But the romantic saga between Denny and Lizzie has stirred controversy amongst viewers, particularly after the duo chose to push ahead with an unexpected pregnancy, despite concerns over Denny’s genetic illness affecting their child.

An uproar was captured in a Reddit thread where one fan cited the ordeal of a fellow user with Huntington’s, whose parents hid the diagnosis, as a cautionary tale pertaining to what might befall Denny and Lizzie.

“OP in this post found out they have Huntington’s Disease and their parents kept it from them,” relayed the concerned viewer.

“The comments from others who had a similar situation happen is heartbreaking. I’m so mad at Denny and Lizzie for how reckless they were getting pregnant.”

Indignant, they delivered their scathing critique: “This is the worst VR storyline imo.”

Echoing the disappointment, one viewer remarked, “I HATE that they made this storyline the way they did.

“Huntington’s has a 50/50 chance of being passed down and Lizzie is just all whatever! about it.”

An outraged comment followed: “I don’t care if Denny is the healthiest weirdo in 100 miles VR writers should be fired and blacklisted for the pregnant Lizzie storyline. They might as well have just killed off the character.”

Criticism kept mounting as one individual expressed, “I draw the line at Huntingtons, super selfish to put that on a kid,” condemning the character’s decision.

“And a terrible way to die, not only for you but your loved ones.”

A particularly frustrated fan from the healthcare sector voiced, “I’m in healthcare and thought it was f***ing weird. Honestly to me they didn’t have to make him sick. It didn’t really add much to the storyline for me.”

Intrigue builds as stills from the forthcoming season evidence Lizzie sporting a noticeable bump the show’s approach to the ensuing controversy surrounding one of its most polarising plotlines remains to be seen.