Life On Mars’ Gene Hunt has never been one to hold back on his opinions, and it seems that art mirrors life in the case of Philip Glenister. He’s been mouthing off, in true Gene Hunt style, to the Radio Times about the state of British TV. As well as stating that EastEnders was “up it’s arse”, one particular genre of TV attracted his ire the most.

“There’s so much cheapness, with all this reality stuff,” he said. “Someone makes big bucks at someone else’s expense and it’s the sadistic element of shows like Big Brother I find so cruel. We’re so screwed up with our principles. We used to mock Japanese game shows where they ate bugs. Now we’re doing the same, if not worse. It’s terrifying.” You can just hear Gene Hunt shouting during that quote. So is he right? Is there too much reality TV on telly? Quite probably, but as long as there is quality drama around, like LOM, that will keep me happy enough. Doesn’t take much.