Actor James Nesbitt has criticised TV Channels who chase viewer ratings rather than make quality TV shows.

He told the Radio Times: “There’s a damaging relationship between the channels where they’re just throwing things at each other in the ratings war.

“Murphy’s Law, which I love, has not been recommissioned yet, because it was up against Doc Martin.

“It’s cheating the audience. They’ll move away – there are plenty other distractions out there for audiences these days – and then where will we be?”

The Cold Feet star added: “Have you noticed how everything in television is about tone now? Is it too dark? Is it too strange? Will people relate to it?

“People don’t watch TV only to relate to stuff. They also watch to find out about a world they can’t relate to.”