People from working-class backgrounds remain significantly underrepresented in British television, both on-screen and behind the scenes, according to recent research covering the year to March 31. The study, conducted by Diamond, a diversity monitoring initiative managed by the Creative Diversity Network, found that working-class individuals accounted for just 26 percent of on-screen roles and 27 percent of off-screen contributions, despite comprising approximately 39 percent of the national working population.

The findings highlight a persistent class divide within the television industry. In contrast, people educated in private schools represented nearly 13 percent of contributions, almost double their proportion in the general population. This disparity underscores ongoing concerns about barriers faced by working-class talent in accessing opportunities within the sector.

On-screen representation varied considerably by genre. Drama was among the genres with the lowest working-class participation, accounting for only 22.7 percent of contributions. Children’s television fared worse in this regard, though specific figures were not disclosed. Conversely, current affairs programming aligned closely with the national average, with working-class individuals making up 39.1 percent of on-screen contributors. However, behind the camera, current affairs recorded the lowest share of working-class involvement at just 19 percent, while drama remained low as well, with 24 percent participation.

Prominent actors including James McAvoy, Julie Walters, and Michael Sheen have previously voiced concerns about the decline of avenues that supported working-class artists. Walters and McAvoy, who both benefited from grants as they trained, have questioned whether similar career progressions would be possible for today’s aspiring performers. Sheen, who attended youth theatre in Port Talbot during his youth, noted that many of the opportunities he accessed in his formative years no longer exist. These barriers include the closure of youth theatres and the reduction of government funding for arts and training programs aimed at widening access.

This report marks the first comprehensive examination of socioeconomic background data collected by Diamond, providing new insights into the extent of class disparities within British television. The results underline the ongoing need for targeted efforts to address inequality and improve access for working-class talent across all facets of the industry.