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CHANNEL 4 producers have been blasted after announcing they will make a second series of Benefits Street.
SPOTLIGHT: The Birmingham street where residents became infamous
A Channel 4 spokesman insisted the show has “ignited an important debate about the welfare system”.
Many living on the street, which has been crowded with fans since the show began, were celebrating last night after the end of the five-part series.
Oldest resident George Drummond, 82, who appeared on camera, said: “I’m glad it’s over. It has been going on for too long.
“Everything has been crazy. It is like a tourist attraction.
“It’ll be nicer when it is quieter and people stop coming.
“I’ll watch the last episode and toast with a glass of champagne hoping we never see James Turner Street on the telly again.”
The show has been the surprise TV hit of the year so far, with more than five million viewers.
But more than 50,000 people signed a petition saying the show “exploited” residents and should be pulled from the air.
It also attracted more complaints than nearly any other show in history, with around 2,000 people contacting regulator Ofcom and Channel 4.
SPOTLIGHT: The Birmingham street where residents became infamous
The controversial documentary, which ended last night, has been branded “poverty porn”.
But Channel 4 revealed yesterday it is scouting areas for another set of shows.
Residents of Birmingham’s James Turner Street, who claim producers tricked them into appearing, urged others not to take part.
Mum-of-two
Anna Korzen, 28, said: “I wouldn’t think people would be stupid enough
to believe them when they say it will be positive.”
And Steve Haywood, a friend of troubled star Fungi, said programme makers would be “stupid” to cause more problems.
Birmingham
councillor Chaman Lal said: “People asked to appear in another series
must be warned about what it can do to their communities.
“The
effect is still being felt here long after the show was filmed. It has
hit property prices and the school, and people cannot live a normal
life.”
A Channel 4 spokesman insisted the show has “ignited an important debate about the welfare system”.
Many living on the street, which has been crowded with fans since the show began, were celebrating last night after the end of the five-part series.
Oldest resident George Drummond, 82, who appeared on camera, said: “I’m glad it’s over. It has been going on for too long.
“Everything has been crazy. It is like a tourist attraction.
“It’ll be nicer when it is quieter and people stop coming.
“I’ll watch the last episode and toast with a glass of champagne hoping we never see James Turner Street on the telly again.”
The show has been the surprise TV hit of the year so far, with more than five million viewers.
But more than 50,000 people signed a petition saying the show “exploited” residents and should be pulled from the air.
It also attracted more complaints than nearly any other show in history, with around 2,000 people contacting regulator Ofcom and Channel 4.
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