REALITY television has had its day.

Yes, it is a bold statement, but it is one I believe is now true.

A few weeks ago I wrote about how unoriginal the line up was for the autumn schedule, and in that column I mentioned the line up included many of these reality shows.

The truth is viewing figures are down for many of these reality programmes this year, a pattern that has been going on for years.

Take X Factor for example. I can remember the days it was must see television.

In 2010, that year’s final attracted nearly 20 million viewers - nearly a third of the entire UK population.

It is safe to assume this year’s final will get no one near that - Saturday’s George Michael-themed live episode dropping below five million.

You would think this might lead to the format being rested, but instead series 16 for 2018 has already being confirmed.

Another series, the original reality television juggernaut, Big Brother, gained excellent ratings for Channel 4 at its peak.

Now it is living out its dying days on Channel 5, struggling at around one million viewers.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not say this is the end of reality television. For instance, I will again be watching I’m a Celebrity which starts this weekend.

The popular jungle show last year had its biggest ratings in years - 11 million at its peak.

And another show, Love Island, proved a ratings hit actually seeing its audience grow throughout its run.

But it appears to me these are exceptions to the rule, and we are set to now see fewer of these shows in future.

• Last week I wrote in this column about my anger after the Paradise Papers revelations.

In the week since I have been staggered by some of the reactions.

Some commentators actually said it is too hard for HMRC to close the loopholes, and “we would all do it if we could.”

As I made clear last week individuals and businesses involved have not broken the law, but searching for loopholes to exploit the system is morally wrong.

It is all very simple, no one should attempt to avoid paying tax - just pay it. And HMRC and the government should be doing everything in their power to get their hands on the billions lost every year.