‘Cleaning Up’ star Ben Bailey Smith says the MeToo Movement is having a negative effect on TV dramas.
The 41-year-old actor – who plays stockbroker Blake in the upcoming ITV drama – claims he has "diversity-fatigue" because #MeToo is urging TV producers to over-represent women.
He is quoted by The Sun’s Bizarre TV column as saying: "There’s a lot of stuff out there now that’s a little bit box-ticky where they’re like, ‘Hey, look – it’s all women doing things you don’t see women do.’
"I watch it and think, ‘Yeah, that’s all it is – it’s not actually all that good.’
"It’s weedling its way into everything, I’m also talking about black characters as well. Because we’ve got #MeToo, because we’re combatting racism head on, then suddenly they have to go over the odds.
"No white, straight male could say this – but I’m getting a bit of diversity-fatigue."
Ben’s comments come after his co-star Sheridan Smith – who plays Sam, a struggling mum-of-two who uses her job as a cleaner in the City to start insider trading, in the show – previously admitted she "loves" portraying the character in the female-empowering drama.
The ‘Mrs. Biggs’ star enjoyed the role because her alter-ego was such a "good mum" and it gave her an insight into what it would be like if she was to have children in the future.
Speaking about whether she could relate to her character, Sheridan added: "Yes I love playing characters like her. And I also love that she’s such a good mum. Like, that’s something I haven’t done yet – or might not, I dunno.
"But, at the heart of it, she hasn’t had opportunities that other people have had. I kind of get that – when you feel like you’re looked down upon because you haven’t got education or training, so I love that she’s got that kind of fire in her belly."
Ben Bailey Smith says MeToo has caused ‘diversity fatigue’
