Jowell said she hoped viewers would stop watching the show

Reality TV shows such as I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here have come under fire from Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.

Ms Jowell, whose remit includes broadcasting standards in the UK, said she hoped that viewers would stop watching such programmes.

Speaking about the ITV1 show, which has drawn up to 10 million viewers, she said: "If they weren't mostly - save their blushes - has-been celebrities, there might be more interest."

In an interview with the Financial Times, she said: "I think that if we saw many more programming hours taken over by reality TV, I hope you'd begin to see a viewers' revolt."

Bisson said he had found the show tough going

The Granada-produced show, which is in its second year, is a big hit among viewers.

Tuesday night's coverage was seen by more than 8.2 million people.

On Wednesday's show, former Coronation Street actor Chris Bisson became the third contestant to be evicted from the Australian jungle after a public vote.

The remaining contenders, including former England cricketer Phil Tufnell and chef Antony Worrall Thompson, were said to be "dazed and confused" by his eviction.

Bisson's departure follows that of TV weather presenter Sian Lloyd and former EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook.

After his eviction Bisson told presenters Ant and Dec that the contest had been tougher than he had expected.

Guirado has not proved popular with viewers

"It was hard and the first week was really hard just because there's no food - just getting used to it, no toxins, no tea, no coffee, no booze... your whole body changes and it hurts," he said.

On Thursday, Changing Rooms presenter Linda Barker will undertake the group's next challenge for food, sticking her hands into buckets full of insects in order to win meals.