Estelle's fury at Dizzee Rascal interview

Singer Estelle has blasted BBC journalist Jeremy Paxman for treating British rapper Dizzee Rascal like an "idiot" during a recent TV debate.

The 'Fix Up, Look Sharp' rapper - real name Dylan Mills - appeared on the Newsnight current affairs show last month during a discussion about race and nationality.

At one point host Paxman asked the London-born rapper if he felt he was "British" and if he was interested in a career in politics.

Mills responded to the question, saying: "Course I'm British, man - you know me. It doesn't matter what colour you are. It matters what colour your heart is man, and your intentions. I think a black man, purple man, martian man could run the country as long as he does right by the people."

But the incident infuriated singer Estelle, who is adamant Paxman was patronising the rapper.

She tells New Statesman magazine: "I was like, 'He is taking you for an idiot right now! Did no-one brief you?' Paxman's not going to get away with asking me, 'Do I think I'm British?'"

But the BBC has defended Paxman's line of questioning: "The topics being discussed were race, nationality and identity, and this question was a natural part of that discussion."