Despite various rumours that he’s set to be a judge, Elton John has revealed he isn’t a fan of reality tv shows like Pop Idol and The X Factor.

He told the Mirror: “I read somewhere I was supposed to be taking part in that… rubbish!”

“The X Factor is a cruise ship show. I’ve got nothing against the people who go on - good luck to them. But I hate how they’re treated.”

“They’re given an awful sense of stardom and pressure straight away but they’re only successful until the next series. The record companies sell a lot of records and those people are gone. It’s f***ing cruel.”

“Look at Michelle McManus. My heart bleeds for her. She won Pop Idol, she’s a really good singer and now she’s forgotten.”

“Will Young is the best thing that’s ever come out of those shows. He has proved himself. But it’s no way to find talent. I want to hear new songwriters, people who are creating their own stuff, not just singing my songs every week.”