Rebus actor says fuss about JK books a crime

Published on 25/09/2007 12:10

INSPECTOR Rebus actor Ken Stott has criticised "idiot educationalists" for praising children who read Harry Potter books.

The 52-year-old Edinburgh-born star launched the attack on best-selling Merchiston author JK Rowling during an interview with the Radio Times.

He said: "If we're going to make a fuss about children reading books, do it with Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials books, not JK Rowling.

"I can't believe idiot educationalists are praising children for turning up at school and reading Harry Potter."

Oxford-based author Mr Pullman became the first children's writer to win the prestigious Whitbread Book of the Year prize with his acclaimed series.

Mr Stott also appeared to rule out starring in another series of Rebus. "I might consider a two-hour special, but I can't do four months of dead bodies any more," he said.

And Mr Stott, whose gritty portrayal of the hard-drinking Edinburgh sleuth won him many fans, also criticised detective shows for helping to fuel trash TV.

He said: "The ratings war is the curse of quality. They want popularity, not talent."