John Humphrys, presenter of Radio 4's Today programme, and former presenter of BBC News, has spoken out against reality shows and TV soaps.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, he admitted that he has not watched television properly for five years. However, when he recently turned on his TV, he was shocked by how much things had changed.

"The first time I watched Big Brother live, there were two men lying on beds and talking about women — or rather ****ing women," he explained.

"Characters in EastEnders seemed never to walk past each other with a smile and a nod, but with a snarl and a threat."

He accused the shows of being, "damaging, seedy and cynical".