Ashley Jensen: Austerity Britain is brutal place

UGLY Betty star Ashley Jensen has said Britain has become a more “brutal” place – and warned cuts to youth centres will make matters worse.

The actress, who played Christina in the US show and Maggie in the BBC’s Extras, has returned to the UK after six years in Los Angeles.

The 43-year-old, who was brought up in Annan in Dumfriesshire, says she was stunned at how the country had changed.

Her new film, All Stars, deals with the cost of austerity in Britain.

She said: “It’s a tough time in Britain. It’s more of a struggle. It’s a harsher place, more brutal and cut-throat.

“What kind of country are we leaving to the next generation? Youth centres are desperately needed but everything isabout cuts.”