[Amy]

Cowell disputes Humphrys jibe

POP Idol's Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, hit back at John Humphrys' mauling of reality television yesterday as he admitted being a big fan of fly-on-the-wall shows.

The millionaire music mogul, whose new talent show The X Factor begins next week, said Michelle's infatuation with Stuart in Big Brother 5 was "every guy's nightmare" and was "compelling" viewing.

Cowell, speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, also defended his own shows' format, saying viewers would not watch a "sanitised" version of auditions, where only good singers were shown.

The same industry gathering heard Welsh veteran broadcaster Humphrys attack the "mind-numbing, witless vulgarity" of reality shows. The presenter of BBC Radio 4's Today programme accused TV bosses of being motivated by money without regard for the welfare of audiences or participants.

But Cowell, who has a highly successful record label and recently set up his own television company, disagreed. "I have to say, that as a viewer, Big Brother got it right this year, because it was fascinating TV and I'm not ashamed to admit that," he told the industry audience.

Article from IC Wales