I don't like the way celebrity has invaded every area of TV

Michael Parkinson

Feltz broke down in tears during her stint in the Big Brother house and many feared for her sanity if she remained inside.

Others locked inside the house for up to a week included Anthea Turner, Jack Dee and Claire Sweeney.

"They're freak shows and people who agree to go on them deserve everything they get," Parkinson told What's On TV magazine.

Parkinson has been in the business for 30 years

"Yes, one or two of the people who did Celebrity Big Brother genuinely wanted to raise money for charity, but some of them had another agenda."

Parkinson, never one to pull punches, recently hit out at the likes of Ian Wright and Melinda Messenger being given their own chat shows.

"I don't like the way celebrity has invaded every area of TV," he added.

"I'm disappointed with the way celebrities do the jobs that were once done by people like Alan Whicker and David Attenborough.

Betty's hotpot

"Perhaps my views are a bit old fashioned - but there you go, that's how I feel."

Although Parkinson has become disillusioned by the state of some areas of television he still retains a soft spot for his favourite soap, Coronation Street.

He reveals his ultimate aim is to land a part in the soap just so he can order one of Betty's legendary hotpots.

"It's always been my ambition to appear on Coronation Street. To just walk into the Rovers, order a pie and walk out again," he said.

The 2001 TV Moments show on 16 March will showcase the best of television with viewers voting for their favourite of the year.

Among the contenders are: David Beckham's goal against Greece which secured England's place in the World Cup; Louis Theroux's encounter with the Hamiltons; Brass Eye's paedophile spoof and Darius singing Britney Spears on Popstars.