Big Brother 'most important show of last decade'

Dermot O'Leary thinks 'Big Brother' is the "most important" TV innovation of the last decade.

The 37-year-old presenter - who fronted the spin-off show of the Channel 4 series 'Big Brother's Little Brother' - admitted the reality programme eventually became a "victim of its own success" before it came to an end last year.

He said: "I think it's the most important piece of telly made in the last 10 years and I will defend it to the hilt. In the end, the show was a victim of its own success.

"We have become fixated with celebrity for celebrity's sake, which annoys me, but that was part of Big Brother's creation. It had its tongue firmly in its cheek."

The 'X Factor' host also admitted he relishes in the opportunity of presenting live TV shows, as it's such a "power trip".

Dermot added to new! magazine: "Live telly is my thing, I find it more difficult to do pre-recorded stuff. Everyone knows there is no room for error; it's got to be right first time so it ups everyone's game across the board. It gives you a buzz and it's more fun.

"As a host, you are almost in charge of the channel for an hour. Obviously, it would damn your career if you said anything too naughty, but it is a bit of a power trip."