Travellers unhappy with TV portrayal

Travellers are hitting out at the makers of 'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding', saying Channel Four is exploiting them.

The show examines the lives, traditions and celebrations of members of the Irish Traveller and Roma Gypsy communities living in the UK.

It has proved hugely popular - with an average of 8 million viewers per episode.

But Martin Collins of Pavee Point - which promotes the human rights of Travellers - says many aspects of Travellers' real lives are not properly portrayed.

"It is not representative of the Traveller - or Roma, or gypsy - communities either in Ireland or the UK," he said.

"In fact, I would suggest that it is quite exploitative of Travellers.

"The only agenda that is being served here is the agenda of Channel Four."