http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/a ... -in-acting

Is there a dearth of working class actors? I think production teams want something of a guarantee for the money being spent, which is why it's always the same faces they and the public know.

I'd definitely argue for more local accents on broadcasts though.

I don't know how British TV is nowadays, but there used to be a lot of diversity when I was younger.

There were a lot of regional shows (Shoestring, Boon, The Sweeney, Minder etc.) and there were a lot of regional plays. Has British TV turned into all toffs?

You still get regional accents, but you’ll notice that if you want a tough no nonsense cop, you’ll get a regional accent. If you want a posh bloke chasing after a debutante in a Big House, you’ll get RP. I expect a Cornishman will keenly point out that Poldark, at best, sounds like a comedy pirate convention. The prisoners in Banished all sound like refugees from various regions, but the officers are all far better spoken. I expect the reality of that situation would be far less pronounced, especially from the lower ranks who would be paid thugs there to keep the prisoners in order.

Eccleston’s thoughts that accent should not indicate intelligence is a valid one. I liked “Northern” Doctor very much. A shame we got “EastEnders” Doctor afterwards. I do like “Scottish” Doctor. I think the accent suits the character very well.

The article credits Eccleston with two things - Doctor Who and Our Friends In The North - which I really liked. I wish they’d repeat that. Odd that those are the two dramas he’s remembered for here.

One of my favourite quotes:

“Lots” being a key word here, implying that quite a few don’t. Funny however you look at it.

I agree, if it is made to seem all non-posh people are thick.

Reminds me of Griff and Mel in "Glumpus van de Hoeds' Tales from the Crypt":

Inspector Bribeasy: We'll show the Chief Inspector how intelligent I am!
Sargeant Porn: Right sir, you get the tape measure, and I'll get the two short planks!