MTV says new reality show The Valleys 'not representative of Wales'

MTV executives have defended their new racy reality show The Valleys, insisting it is not intended to create an unfavourable impression of Wales as a nation.

The show, from the producers of controversial show Geordie Shore, sees nine young people with dreams of working in modelling and showbusiness move into a house together in Cardiff, where they are mentored by a nightclub promoter and a glamour model.

The first episode of the show - which airs on MTV on Tuesday 25 September at 10pm - shows one girl flash her breasts at her new housemates within seconds of meeting them, while another urinates on a boy as they take a shower together.

The youngsters, who claim they are moving from The Valleys because it is a "s***hole" with "no opportunities", spend their first night together binge-drinking, flashing and bed-swapping.

Kerry Taylor, director of television at MTV, said: "The reason we came to Wales was all the people we have on the show - while they want to leave the Valleys because they want to improve their lives - they're all incredibly proud of being Welsh and they have a very strong sense of identity, which I think is really unique and special.

"But we're categorically not saying they are representative of Wales and the Valleys, this is their individual stories."

She added: "You have got issues about unemployment and there are challenges about how people can fulfil their ambitions and their dreams. It's not just about there, it's in lots of places around the country. It is important that we do reflect that.

"But I do really feel that you get a real sense of their pride in their own identity.

"This absolutely not about slating about a part of the world but I think it's about reflecting something that is very real and very serious at the moment in the lives of young people, for our audience to connect with.

"We're making a 10pm entertainment show and if that invites discussion and allows people from Wales to come out and talk about Wales and the great things about it, that's great."

Former law student Jenna Jonathan, 21, has put aside her legal career to pursue a career in glamour modelling.

She said: "I think we're a good representation of Wales because we are nine young, motivated, really driven young people and we're trying to make our dreams come true and get the best possible thing we can."

Bricklayer and aspiring model Darren Chidgey said of representing his country: "We work hard and we play hard."

Call centre manager Carley Belmonte, who wants to work in promotions, said: "If they could bring the opportunities to the Valleys it would be a completely different story, but I think unfortunately there isn't the opportunities we're looking for in the Valleys, so we have to somewhere else."

PA