McCartney lured by 'car crash TV'

Sir Paul McCartney has released an album under the name The Fireman

Sir Paul McCartney has admitted being hooked on reality TV shows, saying they are "compulsive viewing - but so is a traffic accident".

"I think there is too much of it, really," the former Beatle said.

"You can't turn on the telly without somebody being judged by four people, whether they are on ice or on the stage or in the jungle.

"I just think it's a bit weird myself. So I'm not very keen on it. But I watch it like everybody."

Sir Paul has just launched his latest album, Electric Arguments, a collaboration with producer Youth.

Going under the name The Fireman, the album has seen the former Beatle take an experimental twist and has garnered glowing reviews.

Answering a question from a reporter about talent shows like X Factor, he said: "You may be right that it doesn't encourage creativity.

"I don't think you are going to get a Bob Dylan emerging from one of those shows, but then not everyone goes on those shows.

"I think it's just a phase we're going through."