I felt a lot hinged on suspense and that was lost if every item ended with survival

Michael Buerk on 999

However, in the interview with the Radio Times, he agreed that the more optimistic format eventually adopted was the better option.

"Originally, in my simplistic way, I felt a lot hinged on suspense - would the person get out of this ghastly predicament? - and that was lost if every item ended with survival, even if there was a reasonable amount of damage.

999 presenter Buerk thought tragic scenarios would add suspense

"The powers that be were against me and proved entirely right. The stories operate on the same basis as fairy tales for children - climb behind the sofa and close your eyes - where the great thing is kids can engage their deepest fears and know everyone lives safely ever after."

The series dramatically reconstructs real-life scenarios in which people live through situations of extreme peril.

Since 999 began in 1992 it has featured over 120 reconstructions highlighting the work of the emergency services.

News pressure

Buerk, 54, was himself recently praised for helping to rescue a driver from the wreckage of his crashed car on the Isle of Wight.

People are attracted to Posh and Becks, who are, I'm sure, worthy people, but of fairly limited fascination

Michael Buerk

But he told the Radio Times that he was "no hero", and that "the story of the `rescue' has nothing to do with me."

He added: "When you say modestly, in public, that you have something to be modest about, they assume you're being brave,"

Buerk, who is also anchorman for BBC TV's Nine O'Clock News, also criticised the current pace of TV news reporting.

Buerk's famine reports sparked Live Aid

The respected journalist, who won praise for his coverage of the Ethiopian famine in 1984, said the "pressure to deliver" in such situations made it hard to pursue stories properly.

He then cited the growing tendency for news coverage to be concerned with the "superficial and ephemeral" and the "cult of celebrity".

He added: "People are attracted to Posh and Becks, who are, I'm sure, worthy people, but of fairly limited fascination."