BBC Faces Scrutiny Over Casting and Regional Representation in Independent Review
A comprehensive independent report has delivered a stark critique of the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of making 'clunky' casting choices in period dramas and historical programming. The review, which examined the corporation's content across multiple platforms, highlighted concerns that ethnic minority actors are being placed in roles that appear 'tokenistic or forced', undermining authenticity.
Period Drama Casting Labelled 'Inappropriate' and 'Anachronistic'
The report specifically pointed to several high-profile examples where casting decisions have sparked debate. It questioned the placement of mixed-race actor Nathaniel Curtis as Sir Isaac Newton in a Doctor Who 60th-anniversary special and Shalom Brune-Franklin's portrayal of Estella in the 2023 adaptation of Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, a story set in the early 19th century.
While acknowledging that Doctor Who's science-fiction nature allows more creative freedom, the review raised fundamental questions about the purpose of historical fiction. It asked whether programmes should strive for 'historical accuracy' or embrace their status as realms of 'fantasy'. The authors warned that anachronistic casting risks erasing the 'past exclusion and oppression of ethnic minorities' by presenting a sanitised version of history where people of colour faced no barriers.
Balancing Representation with Authenticity
The report presented a nuanced argument, recognising the dilemma facing producers. It noted that without 'colour-blind casting' in historical settings, the range of roles available to actors of colour would be 'severely restricted' compared to their white counterparts. Conversely, it stressed that solely casting white actors ignores the documented presence of ethnic minorities in British history.
'People sometimes assume that the history of the British Isles was entirely white, without recognising that some degree of ethnic mix has always existed,' the authors stated. The review also examined contemporary dramas like Shetland, which features diverse casting for legal and police roles, but acknowledged the series does not claim to be a 'accurate depiction of life on the islands', with its protagonist remaining white.
Criticism Extends to Portrayal of Working Class and Geographic Bias
Beyond casting, the report delivered sharp criticism of the BBC's portrayal of white working-class communities. It found depictions often 'rely on the themes of poverty, crime, addiction and deindustrialisation with an absence of role models'. The one-off drama Denmark, set in Blaenau Gwent, was cited as an example where characters were portrayed as 'hopeless' and the locality as a 'trap'.
Perhaps the most damning indictment concerned the corporation's geographic focus. The review concluded that power within the BBC remains 'too concentrated in London', with a 'middle class and London-centric' perception harming its connection with audiences nationwide. It highlighted how content makers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland lack opportunities due to the 'concentration of editorial power' in the capital.
Structural Changes and Data-Driven Improvements Recommended
The report, authored by former BAFTA chairwoman Anne Morrison and media consultant Chris Banatvala, was based on interviews with over 100 industry figures and surveys of 4,500 members of the public. It called for concrete structural changes, recommending that senior editorial staff and TV genre commissioners be located outside London to better understand regional audiences.
Furthermore, the review urged the BBC to develop a 'new set of diversity characteristics' for measuring portrayal that includes class and geography. It also noted ongoing gender imbalances, particularly among older presenters, and criticised the corporation for not fully utilising its data to track and address these disparities.
BBC Leadership Responds to Findings
In response to the review, BBC chairman Samir Shah acknowledged the need for improvement, stating: 'It is vital the BBC authentically reflects the lives of all the communities, classes and cultures across the UK. Decision-making must happen closer to audiences.' The BBC Executive has committed to strengthening how it measures audience representation and highlighted 'significant progress' already made in regional investment and diverse voices.
The report represents a significant challenge for the national broadcaster as it seeks to maintain relevance and trust across the United Kingdom's diverse demographic landscape. Its recommendations call for a fundamental shift in both creative decision-making and organisational structure to ensure the BBC truly represents all parts of British society.
