To the corners of the internet accusing ITV2’s Peckham’s Finest of having a “lack of diversity”, don’t bother.
The weary stars of the new reality series - dubbed South London’s version of Made in Chelsea - are already fed up with criticisms that the all-black cast is unrepresentative, or an example of “woke” culture.
Mark-Ashley Dupé, one of the show’s stars, tells the Mirror it’s “certainly not a bad thing” to finally see a black community given its own series.
“After over a decade of reality TV, it’s very telling that the phrase ‘lack of diversity’ is being thrown around now because the cast is an all back one,” he says.
“We’ve had to deal with actual lack of diversity up until now across all channels, but nobody never cared because non-black folk can turn on telly at any time on a station and always see themselves represented.
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“Well times are finally changing, and it’s certainly not a bad thing.”
In fairness to the internet, often a hideous place, the series has also received heaps of praise for being “a celebration of black youth and joy” and “inclusive” in its content.
“Reminds me of the Peckham I’ve, personally, always known,” said one viewer. The finest praise.
The series continues on Wednesday at 10pm on ITV2.
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