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CLASH: Ashley Walters

ASHLEY WALTERS has defended Top Boy against criticism from London Hughes, suggesting her negative reaction to the show’s return was rooted in her unsuccessful bid to appear in it.

Walters, who stars as Dushane in the series, which charts the lives of gang members and drug dealers on an estate in London, responded to Hughes’ comments during an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

Last week, Hughes tweeted: “Ugh why did Drake decide to bring back Top Boy...if there’s one show black Britain doesn’t need back, it’s that! Oooh gangs, drugs, guns, baby-mums! I’m sick of repeatedly seeing negative black stereotypes blown up on the big screen...Why couldn’t he bring back Desmond’s?!”

When asked about Hughes’ statements on TV, Walters agreed that there are negative storylines in the show but argued that the show gave viewers a “slice of life of this particular area” and he hoped that the show did spark debates and conversations so that things could move forward.

CRITICAL: London Hughes

He then went on to say that the comedian’s comment was likely motivated by her desire to be a part of the hit show.

“London wanted to be in the show so that’s probably why she tweeted something like that,” he said. “She didn’t get through the casting process.”

Hughes has denied that she wanted to be on the show or auditioned for it.

‘What we’re trying to do is give you a slice of life in a particular area and what these people go through. But hopefully, we give you the reasons why.’

Top Boy star @AshleyWalters82 says the new series will help ‘create a debate’ about the violent crime in Britain. pic.twitter.com/TkGdBxMq9P

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) September 12, 2019

She tweeted: “LMAO @AshleyWalters82 let’s not do this, don’t lie about me on national tv please.... Don’t try and make me look stupid when you totally know where I’m coming from, you and Noel Clark even said the same thing as me when receiving backlash whilst promoting #Bulletproof”

In an opinion piece for inews, Hughes further lamented the revival of the show, which was largely made possible because of Drake.

“We’re finally starting to see black actors playing people and not just stereotypes. We’re finally shifting the narrative and offering more to the mainstream than the downsides of black Britain and gang culture. We’re finally starting to see different parts of black culture being celebrated, different black voices being heard. Black talents are finally being allowed to create their own stories, in their own words. And then Drake comes along and says, ‘Let’s take Top Boy and put it on the world stage! Let’s introduce Black Britain to the world this way! Here you are, Netflix!’” she wrote.

Top Boy season three will be available to stream on Netflix from tomorrow (September 13).