Market traders are demanding their money back after a fake fun day was set up for a reality TV show.
Around 15 traders set up stalls at Heene Community Centre in Worthing on Sunday after a charity fun day promising a bustling market was advertised.
The afternoon, dubbed “Sunny Worthing’s Spring Into Summer Charity Family Funday”, enticed revellers with a BBQ, face painting, bouncy castle, Punch and Judy show, raffle and a cake baking competition.
But within two hours of starting, the event was unmasked as a cover for the filming of a new reality TV show starring Ashley Banjo from dance group Diversity, the 2009 Britain’s Got Talent winners.
In the series – Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew – the 24-year-old host is seen trying to teach people how to dance and features surprises for friends, families and the community.
Traders paid £10 for a single stall or £15 for two stalls at the |centre in Heene Road but claim they were left empty-handed when film crews urged people inside the building and locked the doors.
Beth Dunkley, one of the traders, described the day as a “farce” on Facebook.
She said: “For people who earn a living from market trading and being misled into thinking it was a genuine market for a family fun day, it was a complete waste.
“Less than two hours into the market they ferried everyone inside – hardly fair for us honest workers.”
Another trader, Dawn Wiseman, said: “I paid £15 and also did not make a penny. I want a refund.”
Secrecy essential
A spokesman from Sky said keeping everything secret until the last minute was “crucial” for all involved.
He said: “In this one-off family fun day created by the production team, all vendors were given 24 hours’ notice stating filming would take place.
“Naturally in a show such as this, keeping everything top secret until the last minute is crucial for all involved.
“We asked vendors for a voluntary payment of £10 to go to the local Rotary Club community fund, but made sure no one felt obligated to do so.
“We hope everyone enjoyed the day and that Worthing will join in celebrating the brilliant achievement of this special Secret Street Crew.”
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