Blur star and reality TV show judge Alex James has slammed reality TV shows for handing acts multi-million pound record deals, leaving them unprepared to deal with overnight success.

The bassist says shows like The X Factor and American Idol give new artists an unhealthy introduction into the music business because they are thrown into the spotlight so suddenly.

James says: "Bands in these shows think getting a record deal is the answer to their problems. But it's probably the start of all their problems actually. You know success messes you up far more than failure does, I think."

James has been part of a judging panel for British reality TV show, Unsigned Act (formerly MobileACT Unsigned) for the past two years. The eventual winners of the show secure a record deal with a major label.

(by Scott Colothan)