Critics may bemoan the dumbing down of culture but the new series of "I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here" which begins today is a guaranteed ratings winner.

Even the Queen is said to be an avid viewer................



Psychologist John Maltby found that fans who intensely monitor their favourite star are harming their own mental health because they prefer to adore their idol rather than face the stresses of everyday life.

After what was billed as the largest study of its kind in Britain, he found 22 percent were "celebrity-worshippers."

"We never expected this level of obsession," he told Reuters. "When it comes to the real world, they tend to disengage. Celebrity worshipping is a way of dealing with that."

But that fascination can become dangerous.

"We are now investigating whether this obsession can lead to stalking," he said.