Television talent shows 'cruel', says Sir David Jason

SIR David Jason has branded TV talent shows "voyeuristic" and attacked competitors as wanting easy entry into the industry.

The Only Fools And Horses and A Touch Of Frost actor said that he understood the popularity of programmes such as The X Factor, but accused them of making audiences more cruel.

Speaking at the launch of his documentary following an amateur drama group, Sir David said: "Sometimes television talent shows can be quite cruel and that's sort of the object of the exercise.

"So they have to show you some of the less talented people in order to make us lot go, 'Ooh, look at that, he's no good, is he? He can't do nothing'."

• The Show Must Go On will be screened by Five on 7 June.