Julian Fellowes

Julian Fellowes

Julian Fellowes insists there should be more "positive" black characters on TV.

The 'Downton Abbey' creator believes young black Britons deserve to have more role models on TV shows, because there are too many black characters who are portrayed as "victims" and have "endless stories of depression and injustice".

He said: "I just feel so many black characters are put forward as victims.

"I think that the world has been very unjust to black people. They have had a very rough time.

"If I was young and black and growing up now, I would want to see some winners among that group.

"I would want to see some positive role models who are getting things done.

"It seems wrong to me that all they are given are these endless stories of depression and injustice."

Julian recently cast black actor Gary Carr as jazz singer Jack Ross in 'Downton', and he was conscious about making sure the character came across as successful and positive.

He added to The Sun newspaper: "We have a good black character. He has a fairly major storyline -- a very nice chap.

"I was very keen that he should be a positive character.

"Because you just want to get in there and this guy is not a victim.

"He is a very successful entertainer, a very positive guy, very attractive and there is no negative side to him -- and that was quite important to me."


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