BBC 'Dragon' Peter Jones needed armed guards to protect him from angry contestants on a US reality show.

Multi-millionaire Jones, star of BBC2's Dragons' Den, got extra security after calling would-be entrepreneurs 'crazy' on a show called American Inventor, created by Simon Cowell.

The businessman, 41, known for his scathing remarks on British TV, also attracted a stalker.

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He said: "The Americans think the British are really evil. It hit home when, out of the four judges, I was the only one given an armed guard.

"I also had a stalker. He came to the hotel and tried to get my room number and was caught down in reception.

"I didn't even think I was being that insulting to people. I say to people, 'Are you crazy, are you mad?' In America, that's seen as confrontational.

American Inventors is Simon Cowell's latest Pop Idol-style reality show featuring some of the wackiest scientists in the States

"After the stalker, I took it more seriously but I didn't change my ethic. I just made sure I got back on the plane home quick."

American Inventor, devised by Jones and produced by X Factor's Simon Cowell, 48, showcases inventors and their wacky ideas from across the US and is currently filming its third series.

The previous two were hits, bringing in average US-viewing figures of 15 million.

Jones added: "I've been branded the British Mr Nasty. I set myself up for trouble but that's what makes the show fun."