Viewers tell BBC they don't want 'downmarket' reality TV - but KEEP Strictly Come Dancing

TV viewers have told the corporation they are sick of endless "ratings chasing shows", which lack originality.

They have called for a return to the BBC's core values and told it to stop plunging down-market.

Despite this the broadcaster has vowed to carry on with plans to cut new shows by 10 per cent and replace them with repeats.

New research by the BBC Trust reveals that viewers think its TV is dominated by entertainment shows and "soap wars".

They claim the corporation has "succumbed" to an obsession with celebrities, make-over programmes and reality TV.

In the research, carried out by the BBC Trust, viewers call for more "imaginative" and "inventive" shows.

They are sick at the number of programmes which are just a "rehash" of another idea.

There is not enough "prominence" given to serious drama and documentaries, they claim.

However "classic" shows like University Challenge, Mastermind and Antiques Roadshow were singled out for praise as "core" to the corporation.

Doctor Who was also credited for refreshing an old idea and Strictly Come Dancing and The Apprentice were singled as much-loved shows.

But with BBC1 and BBC3 known for entertainment shows, and BBC2 becoming more mainstream, there are concerns it is becoming to similar.

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Praise: Strictly Come Dancing was singled out

The new research was carried out after an earlier survey revealed that while 75 per cent of people thought it was important for the BBC to have fresh and new ideas - only just over half thought it was achieving it.

The new report, aimed at identifying why this was, points out while there are more channels than ever, viewers complain there is not enough choice.

It says: "All in all, this leads to the irony that although there is more choice, people perceive that there is less choice."

The report added: "TV generally is felt to be dominated by big entertainment shows, 'ratings chasers', celebrity, soap wars, make-over and reality TV."

The survey also revealed a significant number of viewers felt there were less distinctive TV shows than there used to be.

It finds people want the BBC to take "responsible risks" rather than being shocking and controversial for the sake of it, like Channel 4 is.

BBC3 has come under fire for its deliberately controversial programme titles, with many calling for the channel to be axed as part of cost savings.

The survey was carried out with eight groups of 12 people from different social groups.

The BBC has been accused of contradicting itself by admitting viewers want more originality, then saying it is going to increase repeats.

As part of the BBC's cost saving drive it is to make 10 per cent less new shows over the coming years.

BBC chiefs have tried to get round this by claiming they will do fewer shows but "bigger" and "better".

It has also claimed that the public like seeing repeats of recently aired shows.

Speaking yesterday BBC Trust member David Liddiment said: "In exchange for their licence fee people expect more surprise and more innovation and that's something we expect to be delivered.

"It is about management making a critical judgement about when a show feels tired."

He said that people still wanted familiar shows, pointing out that ITV's Dancing on Ice was clearly derivative of Strictly Come Dancing, but had still proved to be a hit because it was a well made programme.