COMMENT: More variety, fewer contests

For the past decade primetime TV schedules have been dominated by celebrities doing things out of their natural comfort zone and non-entities competing in talent shows.

I guess, if that's what the public want, then why not...

Except, where are the opportunities for all those who are successful in talent shows to pursue their career?

Back in the 70s, when I was a kid, there were talent shows like Opportunity Knocks and New Faces, in the same way that today we have X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, but there were also shows on which the more successful acts could continue and develop their career.

1970s style Variety shows and comedy shows might seem rather dated now, but surely there's a place for a modern version? Surely the investment initially put into lots of performers via talent shows warrants a place where they can continue to work as an artist?

Wouldn't it be good to have a prime time show, maybe like Sunday Night at the London Palladium where we were entertained by good and experienced acts rather than having to suffer so many no-hopers for the sake of the occasional success?