Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley has slammed The X Factor for encouraging youngsters to seek fame, according to a report.
The actress has claimed that reality TV talent shows such as Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor could be negative influence on young people.
She told the Daily Telegraph: "We've stopped having an interest in things.
"We just sit there watching other people's lives on TV. It's not pitiful - it would be snotty and stupid to say that - but it's dull. Teeth-rottingly dull.
"I simply can't bear lethargy."
She continued: "And when children here want to be on The X Factor, I think, 'Why? Don't just want to be famous, do something that's really fascinating. The world is crammed with opportunities'."
Lumley claimed that TV should encourage children to explore their options.
She added: "All children are boiling with excitement.
"But if you crush it, then feed them filth, dullness, repetitive nothing, tell them they'll be paid for doing nothing, tell them a job will be created for them, how can that child ever know there are horizons to see or to follow?"
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