A WOMAN who featured in Channel 4’s infamous ‘Benefits Street’ series claims the programme’s makers “exploited” those who appeared on the show.
Dee Kelly – who was known as White Dee – also claims residents were “hung out to dry” when the cameras stopped rolling.
5
5
Benefits Street aired on Channel 4 in January 2014 and gave an insight into the lives of ordinary residents living on the breadline in James Turner Street, Winson Green, Birmingham.
It was an instant hit amongst Brits – drawing huge attention on the stars of the show as well as scrutiny of the UK’s benefits system.
But White Dee – real name Deirdre Kelly – now says Love Productions and Channel 4 did not provide “any support” after the show ended.
Her comments follow a Channel 4 documentary which criticised ITV’s Jeremy Kyle show after a guest committed suicide shortly after their appearance.
Dee told BirminghamLive: “There was a Benefits Street explosion when it was aired and we were on the front page of many national newspapers.
“When you talk about support and aftercare there simply wasn’t any.
“There was no support while it was being made and there was certainly no aftercare.
“We were exploited and left on our own, hung out to dry.”
Dee said that despite the stars “getting slated for being on benefits” none of the shows makers “told us how to deal with it”.
Most read in Showbiz
“We were just left to deal with the fallout from the show”, the mum-of-two claimed.
She added how lives have since been turned upside down and that “many people who were in the show really struggled”.
Dee – mum to Caitlin and Gerrard – moved out of James Turner Street shortly after the show to nearby Handsworth.
She previously said: “The show ripped apart my life at the time.
“It changed my life forever and it destroyed the James Turner Street I knew before the show.”
“Psychological support was offered to all those featured in the series throughout the filming, during transmission and beyond
Channel 4 spokesperson
She later went onto appear on TV debates and was asked to speak at the Conservative Party conference.
In 2014 she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother.
Channel 4 dispute Dee’s claims, they said: “Psychological support was offered to all those featured in the series throughout the filming, during transmission and beyond.
“Advice was given on the likelihood of criticisms and unpleasant comments on social media.
“All contributors were given guidance on engaging with online communities and social media. Following the unprecedented media attention, executives from production returned to Birmingham to provide ongoing support to contributors throughout transmission.
“Close contact and support continued beyond transmission.”
5
5
5
