Moore attacks 'cruel TV'

Speaking to journalists at the British Comedy Awards in London on Saturday, he said he was "disappointed by what is happening today in television".

"We seem to have gone into an age of cruelty where everything is put down," he said.

Moore said the trend had probably originated in Japan and started in the UK with the launch of Anne Robinson's hugely successful BBC game show The Weakest Link.

Moore also berated Cilla Black for the changed format of ITV's Blind Date.

He said he was particularly saddened by the way the show had become more confrontational.

"Even I notice dear Cilla Black has got a new format," he said.

"Now they have 'ditch' - a poor girl comes up and if you don't like her face, get rid of her.

"I think it's absolutely terrible. It's appalling. It's humiliating."

He also had a message for Cilla Black, adding: "You've got a lorra, lorra charm, but don't be nasty, or don't have a nasty format."

Obsession

Moore joins a growing band of stars to have spoken out against reality television in recent months.

Kylie Minogue attacked shows such as Pop Idol and Popstars, saying they encourage children to develop a "frightening" obsession with fame.

Minogue's comments followed Robbie Williams' dismissal of TV talent shows.

He branded them "cruel" for "messing with people's lives".