CBBC have been working on the new 10-part series, due to film later this year (Picture: BBC)

CBBC have found themselves in the middle of a race row as 100 British East Asians have spoken out against their new planned TV show, Living With The Lams.

Living With The Lams is a newly-planned series that will follow the story of a Chinese family running a restaurant in Manchester.

The letter, sent by non-profit group British East Asians in Theatre and Screen (Beats), slams the show for potentially perpetuating racial stereotypes and asks the broadcaster to consider hiring those of East Asian descent to help give the show authenticity.

Most of the series’ authors are of non East Asian descent.




In the letter, Beats wrote: ‘It is unacceptable that a television series about the day-to-day lives of a British East Asian family will not be fully authored by British East Asian writers.’

‘British East Asians – our lives, our stories and our voices – are marginalised, suppressed and all too often even erased in UK arts and culture,’ they added.

Jessica Fenwick and Katie Leung were among those to put their name to the letter (Picture: Getty)

This is called upon in the letter, which added: ‘Not only would Asian writers more accurately capture the tone, they can also tell more stories based on their own experiences.

‘There’s so much nuance that a non-Asian writer wouldn’t be able to pick up on because they haven’t lived it, while someone who grew up in those circumstances would be able to incorporate it into scripts.’

Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the Harry Potter franchise, and Iron Fist star Jessica Henwick are among those to put their names to the letter.

The letter was backed by industry professionals including Baby Driver producer Rachael Prior, who later wrote on Twitter: ‘Having spoken to some of the campaigners, there is a huge desire to help rather than take down this show.

‘White producers and gatekeepers (I include myself here) need to take a breath when criticism like this comes in.

‘It’s not a time to be defensive. It’s a time for grace, listening, learning and course correction.’

A BBC spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘“We’re really proud of our track record in making diverse and culturally relevant output for our young audience. We believe they deserve the best, which is why we work hard to find the most talented writers and producers to create the most entertaining and engaging shows.

‘We always seek guidance, advice and expert input for culturally sensitive content.’

‘We’re still in the development stages of Living with the Lams and so the editorial process is on-going,’ they added. ‘We do not appoint comedy writers or producers based solely on their cultural affiliations or nationality but we’re confident that we’ll create a show that successfully reflects and celebrates this community.’

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