‘Benefits Street’ has been axed.
Plans to film a second series of the Channel 4 reality show in Birmingham have been ditched because the cast, including notorious benefits scrounger White Dee, have allegedly demanded five-figure salaries.
Producers are reportedly holding crisis meetings with some of the key residents of James Turner Street, many of whom are unemployed and living off welfare, in the hope of brining them back.
Dee, 42, whose real name is Deirdre Kelly, told the Daily Star newspaper: "Producers had meetings with certain residents in the hope of coming back. But, because of how we felt – we were misled in series one – they didn’t get anywhere.
"The series has had a major effect. The community spirit has completely gone. People have moved away and it has caused arguments."
The series was a ratings hit for Channel 4, but the show has come under fire from viewers at a time when benefits continue to be cut across the country.
Dee’s agent, Barry Tomes, added: "She is not budging and is relieved they have knocked it on the head."
However, TV bosses have claimed they never had any plans to film any more ‘Benefits Street’ episodes.
A Channel 4 spokesman said: "There are no plans to film a second series of ‘Benefits Street’."
Benefits Street cancelled by Channel 4
