Musicality (Ch4), Chubby Chasers (ITV), Max And Paddy's Road To Nowhere (Ch4): MUSICALITY is the latest reality television show, but unlike X Factor or Pop Idol, you can't deny these contestants have talent.

From hundreds of wannabes the judges have chosen the performers who will be given the chance to star in the West End hit Chicago.

Last night rehearsals started and after the euphoria of being picked, the contestants had to get down to some real work.

Apart from the obvious talent, there are two things that make this show stand out. There is an unbelievable amount of crying - so much so that you stop feeling sympathy for those involved. This kind of OTT behaviour from people who only a few weeks ago had ordinary jobs is nauseating.

But the best thing about the show is how nice everyone is. Forget Simon Cowell - the judges here are lovely, offering kind words to those voted out and hugs to those who keep weeping. And the nice approach really works with the young hopefuls who do their best for their mentors.

The result was some great rehearsals and no doubt a knockout performance next week - those horrible people at X Factor should take note.

There were more kind words on Chubby Chasers - a look at men who love very big women. It was refreshing to meet women who love their bodies, however big they are, but at times it did feel like watching a freak show with men salivating at the thought of having a large lady on their arm. It shouldn't matter if you weigh eight or 28 stone - what matters is what is inside, but the men featured here just want a woman of size.

And then there are the ladies themselves. It's all very well being happy with your body but some of the women featured were in serious danger of heart disease, strokes and other weight-related illnesses. Big may be beautiful but dying and leaving your family without a mother or wife simply because you like looking big is plain selfish.

Talking of selfish, the second episode of Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere - where Paddy tried to make his fortune by getting into porn - was hilarious. The look on his face when he realised he had been taken on to 'act' with a group of black men was hilarious. We then got to hear the heart-rending story of Max's first love - a dwarf he tried to throw out of the Phoenix Club because he thought she was a child. This new series was a gamble but it has paid off and is Peter Kay at his very best. A classic in the making.

Published: 25/11/2004