A recent episode of BBC's EastEnders has sparked significant controversy for its portrayal of Milton Keynes, leading to public outcry and political backlash. The episode depicted the city as a violent slum, with scenes showing children scavenging from bins. This representation has been criticized by residents, fans of the show in Milton Keynes, and notably by Conservative MP Ben Everett. Everett, representing Milton Keynes North, has called on the BBC to apologize to his constituents, condemning the portrayal as a 'slum' and highlighting the city's positive aspects as 'a city of the future'. He described the depiction as 'out of order' and criticized the BBC for being 'irresponsible'. The backlash was further fueled by the revelation that the scenes were filmed 50 miles away in North London, rather than in Milton Keynes itself, which locals argue has beautiful areas. Everett expressed his dedication to promoting Milton Keynes with the hashtag #LoveMK, prompting discussions about the city's image and the responsibility of media portrayals.
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Some people in Milton Keynes are angry after the city was, as one viewer said, depicted “as being a slum”. The MP, @Ben_Everitt, said it was “out of order”. So I went to speak to young people in the city about THAT Eastenders episode… listen below to what they had to say 👇🏻 https://t.co/J0sb7QZ3OC
While it’s not the biggest thing I’ve focused on this week, I’ll always stand up for MK and never turn down an opportunity to big us up! Thanks to @GBNEWS for having me on this morning to talk about our amazing city and why the BBC got it so wrong 👇🏻 #LoveMK https://t.co/ZtERuGy8UU
'Milton Keynes is a city of the future' Milton Keynes North MP Ben Everett has hit out at the BBC for portraying the city as a 'slum' on EastEnders. https://t.co/77a1b4cghV
'BBC is irresponsible...Milton Keynes has beautiful areas': Fuming locals hit back at EastEnders' grim portrayal of area as grotty slum where children eat from bins - in scenes filmed 50 miles away in north London https://t.co/dsQeWhaqKb https://t.co/PYfS8flHkK
A Conservative MP has called on the BBC to apologise to his constituents in Milton Keynes after residents complained it was portrayed as a “slum” on EastEnders Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/btyuG4oXzB
EastEnders fans in Milton Keynes take aim at soap https://t.co/sp781xy2T7
The portrayal of Milton Keynes as a violent slum where children scavenge from bins in an episode of EastEnders has been met with outrage ⬇️ https://t.co/bo62hygJn0
BBC EastEnders sparks outrage as Tory MP blasts soap for 'tarnished' portrayal of UK city https://t.co/HMq9oNwnj7
MP says depiction of Milton Keynes in EastEnders is 'out of order' https://t.co/D47PTkpMnw