JUSTIN:
People like me like 'People like Us'. After all, it does wonders for the superiority complex.
But not everyone's a fan of the new reality series. Least of all - its stars - who claim they've been made to look 'fat, drunk and destitute'.
Of course, this isn't the first time the BBC's stood accused of misrepresenting the working classes. Although to discover the previous example, one has to go way back into the archive...
FX: OLD NEWSREEL MUSIC
REPORTER:
Television Centre is under siege! No, not from the deadly Luftwaffe - but from the humble pleb!
However, these noble savages aren't making trouble for trouble's sakes - no - they're protesting the snappily-titled series - 'Common Folk Like Us'.
For they say it demeans them - by portraying them as stout, ambitious and most foully of all - pro-socialist.
I caught up with an angry fellow from the cast.
Mr Pleb, may I ask why you're here today?
COMMON MAN:
I'm here because I'm sick and tired of being made to look respectable!
REPORTER:
And what in blazers is wrong with that?
COMMON MAN:
Listen, it's a misrepresentation of who we really are! I mean, take me for instance - do I look respectable to you?
REPORTER:
No, you look fat, drunk and destitute.
COMMON MAN:
Exactly! Now, you see if people like you were in charge of 'Common Folk Like Us' - this problem wouldn't have happened.
REPORTER:
I must say - this is the first time I've ever felt flattered by the words of a pleb. Have a sixpence!
COMMON MAN:
Ta. I love hand outs.
REPORTER:
Are there any words you'd like to leave us with, before you resume your violent savagery?
COMMON MAN:
Listen, I'd just like to say - I know my place - and I won't let anyone budge me from it!
REPORTER:
You know, it's people like you who give hope to people like me.
FX: THE COMMON MAN BURPS LOUDLY