McCartney hits out at 'mediocre' Big Brother

Music legend Paul McCartney has hit out at Big Brother.

The ex-Beatle dubbed the money-spinning Channel 4 show a celebration of “mediocrity”.

Paul, 64, said there was “something wrong” with watching the reality series, which returned to TV screens for the eighth time this week.

Asked whether he watched Big Brother, he told the Xfm radio breakfast show: “No, I studiously avoid Big Brother. I avoid it.

“I’m against the celebration of mediocrity. I’m sorry about that world because I know everyone loves it and loves to watch mediocre people.

“I just don’t like all that stuff I’m afraid. It’s really boring. I’d rather go round and see someone rather than sit in the corner and watch them.”

Paul told DJ Alex Zane: “It was on last night actually when I got home and I thought I’m not going to watch it.

“I probably do watch it, just in closet. That’s the fascination, isn’t it, seeing people being really crap.

“I just don’t like it. I feel there is something wrong there.”

The launch of the eighth series was seen by 8 million viewers on Wednesday, matching last year’s opening.

But its average audience of 6.2 million was 800,000 down from last year’s 7 million.

The series began with a Channel 4 apology over last year’s race row.

This year’s contestants include a former lapdancer, a Victoria Beckham wannabe and oddball twins.

Paul’s estranged wife Heather Mills turned down the chance to take part in Celebrity Big Brother.

But she did appear in the US TV show Dancing With The Stars.