STEVENSTON could be the latest town under the national spotlight in what is known as ‘Poverty Porn’ as Channel 5 case the area for the latest TV show highlighting people on benefits.

Rumours began to circulate last week on social media and the TV channel confirmed they have had a team researching in the area.

But Channel 5 insisted no decision had yet been made on whether Stevenston would be the focus of the new show.

In a flyer distributed to local shops, the programme makers ask what life is really like on benefits, are there no jobs in Stevenston and whether people are better off on benefits than they would be if they got a job.

Similar to Channel 4’s ‘Benefits Street’ which was filmed in Birmingham last year, the show would be likely to split opinion.

But there is no doubt programmes of its kind are popular amongst armchair critics, with the documentary giving Channel 4 their highest viewing figures for two years when it hit our screens in January. The ‘star’ of the show, Dee, has made a name for herself and even starred in the celebrity version of Big Brother.

Channel 5 have yet to say whether filming will go ahead in the town but a decision is likely to be made in the next couple of weeks.

What do you think of the fact that Stevenston could be under the spotlight of a nation because of the plight of some people on benefits?

Have you been contacted by the researchers with a view to appearing on the show?

Let us know by calling 01294 464321 or email editorial@ardrossanherald.co.uk.