Benefits Street unlikely to reach TV screens before General Election in May

Benefits Street now looks unlikely to air before the General Election in May.

The second series of the controversial series has been filmed on Kingston Road in Stockton’s Tilery Estate.

It was previously understood that the series was set to air in March, after sources close to the show suggested it would be around that time.

However, due to tight broadcasting rules of what airs in the run-up to a General Election, it could now be after voting has taken place in May.

Anything deemed as politically contentious needs to stick to strict broadcasting guidelines.

It’s not clear if Benefits Street would fall into this category or whether this would prevent Channel 4 from screening it as adaptations can be made to ensure it adheres by any rules.

But it was reported in The Guardian’s Media Monkey column that it will be a six-episode series, going out after the election.

“Channel 4’s Immigration Street may have been derailed by protesters (it’s down to a single film) but the second run of Benefits Street is still very much on track – six episodes will be aired about an estate in Stockton-on-Tees after the General Election," it stated.

“It seems the new series will also cover the media kerfuffle the show has created: Love Productions’ Benefits Street crew has filmed the crews sent by other broadcasters including the BBC, who in turn were sent to film them filming the residents.”

Read all The Gazette's content about Benefits Street HERE