Springer attacks British TV

US chat show host Jerry Springer has said British TV shows are a decade behind those in America.

15:50 30 May 2005

US chat show host Jerry Springer has said British TV shows are a decade behind those in America.

The 61-year-old star, who is replacing Trisha Goddard on her ITV1 talk show, told the Radio Times that the slower pace of UK television meant "virtually all your live programmes could be on radio".

"Your talk shows are like ours were ten years ago, they plod along - it could be radio," he said.

"That's not a criticism - it's just newer to you here," the US presenter added, stressing that British television was better at airing documentaries than it was feisty talk shows.

"What you do great are your documentaries. You still do TV with a stiff upper lip and when you do that it's excellent, the best there is," said Springer.

The star, made famous around the world for his renowned, swear-filled US chat show, said he wanted viewers to be able to enjoy his shows "with the sound off".

"If you still kind of know what's going on, that's compelling," he said.