Tears, tantrums and sorry Cheryl

SOME random observations about what's good and bad on the box.

HOT: Sales of tissues and mascara must be booming with the tear-inducing documentaries Who Do You Think You Are? and The Secret Millionaire on screen in the same week. I haven't cried so much at the TV for weeks, not even when Wellard copped it. These are the best kind of reality shows, as they actually have a point and change people's lives.

ROT: Trinny and Susannah bullying, patronising and shouting. How gratifying that they're set to be axed from ITV1 because of falling ratings.

HOT & ROT: Lisa and Sara proving that nice people can win, when they agreed to share Big Brother's £50,000 bonus prize. It was a sweet moment, but all the fuss leading up to the live 'game' made very slow, repetitive viewing. We got the rules the first time, we didn't have to be told three times "to clarify". And then have to watch it all over again the following night.

HOT: The stunning visuals on Britain From Above and the sharp script and cast chemistry of New Tricks.

ROT: Peak time repeats of Midsomer Murders, Agatha Christie's Poirot and the Inspector Lynley Mysteries. Roll on the new season...

HOT: Dexter. Fantastic, layered plot and scripting, brilliant performances, and fans of gorgeous Jaime Murray get to see a lot more of her than they did in Hustle. Michael C. Hall's not bad-looking either. What a shame it's on obscure satellite channel FX.

ROT: Superstars on Five. It started well, but seeing the same contestants and events every week has got really dull. The best bit is the theme tune.

HOT & ROT: The X Factor is becoming too predictable and rehearsed, with contestants plainly being coached in what to say. But that won't stop me watching, at least not while there are still deluded hopefuls, like last week's holiday park singer with the enormous gob and weird deep voice, who really think they are stars.

I also rather like Cheryl Cole - I criticised her appointment to the judging panel, but she's actually got something to say. Now we just need to get rid of Dannii Minogue.