Time to get a grip on reality shows?

WHILE many will be ecstatic about Channel 4’s announcement to axe “Big Brother” next year, some of its most loyal fans will be disheartened at the news.

Another series of “Celebrity Big Brother” will be broadcast in January before Channel 4’s association with the show comes to an end. But has reality television had its day? Reporter USMA RAJA asked Oldhamers. 

ARE people fed-up of “Big Brother”? Has it gone too far? Well, local people felt there was never a better time to axe the programme which has been running for 10 years.

Margaret Ryan (60), of Oldham said: “I don’t watch ‘Big Brother’ as it has never appealed to me.

“I don’t watch ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ either. My husband and I watch other programmes and if there’s nothing on TV, we’ll put a DVD on.

“I have to say that I prefer ‘Dad’s Army’ because it still makes me laugh.”

Robert Clark (40), of Rochdale, admitted to not watching “Big Brother” for the past three years.

He said: “Reality TV has had its day. The characters are becoming too exaggerated and I can’t seem to relate to them.

“The ‘X-Factor’ is better as it has normal people on it.”

Raza Ali (16), of Glodwick, branded the programme “stupid”, adding: “I think its gone too far and is setting a bad example to young children who are watching it with their family.

“It should be axed and replaced with something better like football.”

Hasan Ali (17) said the programme showed too much conflict. He added: “I don’t like all the publicity ‘Big Brother’ gets because it is getting extremely boring. ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ is much better.”

Mushahid Miah (16) of Coppice said: “It should definitely be axed because the contestants aren’t doing anything fun.

“I have been watching it for a while but I have to admit the best one was the one with Shilpa Shetty and Jermaine Jackson in it.”

Michelle Crossley (34), of Chadderton, said the show was best off air. He added: “I do watch it but I think it’s getting worse. I prefer other programmes like the “X-Factor”.

Diane Cheetham (51), of Middleton (not pictured) added: “I think ‘Big Brother’ has had its day. It is a load of rubbish.

“I don’t really watch it because I think its for the younger generation but I’m delighted its being axed.

“I like ‘Celebrity Jungle’ and educational programmes.”