Neighbours producer Jason Herbison: 'Ethnic diversity is important to us'
Neighbours producer Jason Herbison has said that fans will see diversity casting in a number of guest roles in 2014.
The show has faced criticism for a lack of ethnic diversity and Sachin Joab has previously spoken out about the matter.
Ajay and Rani leave in a taxi
© Channel 5
Ajay and Rani leave in a taxi
Speaking in an interview on the official Neighbours website, Herbison said: "It's upsetting when we receive criticism like this, as it's not who we are as people, nor is it true of our approach to the show. That said, we understand that people feel passionately about the issue.
"Diversity is important to us too and we have a colour blind policy when it comes to our decision making, which can sometimes be very tough. We would not retain a character purely because of race if we felt their storyline wasn't working, nor would we introduce a character purely on that basis. That would be tokenism.
"Looking ahead, you will see diversity casting in a number of key guest roles in 2014 and it's only a matter of time before we see it again in the regular cast."
Herbison, who took over the role as producer from Alan Hardy earlier in the year, also teased what 2014 would bring for the residents of Ramsay Street, adding that there could be four familiar faces returning at the start of next year.
He said: "We've got Jane Hall coming back as Rebecca, as well as four other familiar faces throughout the first half of the year.
"We'll also continue to see characters like Lucy and Hudson, who we think of as part of the extended Neighbours family."
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