To be brutally honest, I think it is because British soapies and dramas are mostly made for a publicly-run TV network that doesn't have to worry too much about ratings. Most British drama producers don't have bean counters standing over them demanding that their shows fit neatly into demographics. This not only gives the BBC the freedom to make some of the best programming ever seen on TV, but it also means they are free to pick good actors over attractive actors.
Australia's publicly-run station (the ABC) also does a lot of top-rate drama with actors hired for talent rather than looks, but do you really think that the international television marketing people would want to waste their time trying to market that shit? Did you guys ever get Seachange or {i]Love Is A Four Letter Word[/i]? Both of those were made by the ABC.
I really love The Bill, made for a commercial station, but let's be honest - when was the last time a new copper was added to the crew who was not young and good-looking? Even the new governor is young and studly...
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