MTV's Geordie Shore upsets locals

The first episode of Geordie Shore was watched by 330,000 people

MTV reality show Geordie Shore, which follows a group of party-loving friends in Newcastle, has come under fire for the way it portrays the city.

Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah said it was "bordering on pornographic".

"It's exploiting those young people and exploiting our city," she told the Evening Chronicle newspaper.

The local tourism board said it relied on "outdated stereotypes" and had provoked a "fierce reaction" among locals. MTV declined to comment.

The show, a British version of the hit US series Jersey Shore, follows the antics of eight sex-obsessed friends as they drink, vomit, fight and strip off in the hot tub.

The first episode was watched by 330,000 people on Tuesday - the channel's largest adult audience for three years.

Ms Onwurah said she would ask questions in the House of Commons about the issues raised by MTV's production.

"I'm going to be raising questions in Parliament because I think there should be a limit on how much alcohol a broadcaster can pour down the throats of young people to provoke sensational acts," she said.

"By putting those young people in this situation, it's encouraging them to lose all their dignity. I think it's totally unrepresentative of Newcastle."

Sarah Stewart, chief executive of tourist agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said the initial local reaction had been negative.

"The fierce reaction to the programme demonstrates that people who live here feel very strongly about NewcastleGateshead and how it's being portrayed," she said.

"Hopefully as the series continues there will be a more accurate representation of the area. It would be disappointing to see outdated stereotypes pervade."

On Friday, media regulator Ofcom said it had received around 20 complaints.