I'm a Celebrity or Big Brother, Get Me Outta Here or Show Me The Difference!

Are you sure you can see the join? I mean really sure? Here are two immensely popular TV shows which have lasted for years, but when you discard the hype, both appear similar. At least on the surface.

First, you select a group of people. Next, you send them off to co-habit and film their every move for all and sundry. Throw in a few 'tasks' for good measure and watch them snipe and snarl, laugh, cry and exasperate - or should that be exacerbate - over a set time period.

Add a few melt-downs for good measure and you have the potential for guaranteed small-screen entertainment. As I said, there appear to be similarities, but look deep enough and you might think otherwise.

Aside from the stats, which prove conclusively that I'm a Celebrity... appears streets ahead in terms of popularity (11.14 million viewers at its peak against Big Brother with 5.8 million), the differences are staring you in the face.

However, in order to give both shows a fair trial (bush-tucker or otherwise), we'll dissect the basic ingredients and see where it leads us.

Big Brother has the advantage to begin with, in that the occupants - or 'housemates' - have all mod-cons at their collective disposal, and then some. Literally everything on tap, a solid roof over their heads and the luxury of a duvet and sprung mattress to sleep on. Even a working bathroom - albeit with hidden cameras showing their every movement - and forgive the pun.

The tasks they are set are neither stomach churning nor to provide a decent meal. Some might be judged as somewhat OTT, but all are designed to intrigue the viewing millions.

And aside from the celebrity version, all housemates are pulled from the ranks of a slightly more extroverted version of 'Joe Public'. All, it would seem, keen on making a name for themselves, post production, no matter how short.

They clash, they squabble, they make up, then clash some more, before they engage in singular disintigration in a very public version of dear diary. Throughout their retreat, a member of this captive clan usually stands out, as one by one they are voted off, rarely to be seen again.

Finally, after what must feel like a lifetime of incarceration, the victor is crowned and marches away with a sizeable cheque to take up their 15 minutes of fame.

I'm a Celebrity, on the other hand, can be summed up in three words: a wild ride. Its format is far more stark, but no less entertaining - if you enjoy watching starving camp-mates feasting on all things creeping and several things crawling.

This time it's established celebs who are dispatched to the wilds of an Australian jungle to sink or survive on the most meagre of rations, with precious little in terms of support.

These guys and gals are generally at the peak of their professions, but it's hats off to their collective courage as they battle through various trials in order to eat.

Not for them the luxury of bricks and mortar, protection from the elements or a comfortable bed. This is roughing it in the truest sense. And personally I think it shows more spirit than Big Brother ever could.

As before, there are tantrums, albeit without the tiaras, clashes in personality and the occasional drama. Like Big Brother one by one, a celebrity takes their leave thanks to the viewing public, until one remains. Subsequently to be crowned King or Queen of the jungle.

So, after all that, could it be fair to say that one show was derived from the other? Are the unknowns of Big Brother striving towards becoming the stars of I'm a Celebrity... ? Answers on a postcard.