I hate reality TV shows which is a bit of a problem when you are the LIverpool ECHO's Television Editor.

But they have had their day. The recent announcement that there will be a C4 show where ten people live on a rubbish tip shows programme makers are in the dumps when it comes to new ideas.
I was once asked to take part in show where they wanted journalists to appear from all the regional papers. Thinking no doubt we would give them column inches.

The idea was that we would agree to be given a task and those who completed it would be judged by the public (those without a life) and voted in or out for our bravery.Or stupidity.

I asked what my task was? And some Hooray Henry down the line said, "to swim a length in a swimming pool full of beans."

I gave them 57 reasons where they could put their idiotic, undignified idea.

I said I would only consider taking part if I could do the stunt in Brazil and that I received a life time supply of said foodstuff.

They politely declined as they clearly had a budget of 9p.

Pity that, I'd love to see Rio one day.

But It was a jolly effective way of turning them down.

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