Ant & Dec: "Reality TV is here to stay"

Rex Features

Ant and Dec have insisted that reality TV has a bright future despite the downfall of Big Brother.

Critics have suggested that Channel 4's decision to axe the long-running show after next year's series marks an end of the genre's golden age.

Reflecting on the programme's fate, Ant told the Daily Star: "It changed TV, like Pop Idol. But reality TV is here to stay. People who want to kill it off are going to be disappointed. It's not the root of all evil."

The pair also agreed that they enjoy the opportunity to travel around the country for Britain's Got Talent auditions each year.

Dec explained: "You can get so insular staying in London, thinking this is the centre of the universe, and it really isn't. It's so interesting to go out and meet people."

Big Brother may continue on another network after the 2010 series, though no deals have yet been announced and a number of broadcasters have ruled out bidding for the programme.