THE SOPRANOS - THE SOPRANOS IS TV HEADS' FAVOURITE

Crime drama THE SOPRANOS has been named the greatest show currently gracing British small screens - by the most powerful people in the UK TV industry.

More than 26 per cent of the 50 polled bosses picked out the mob hit, starring JAMES GANDOLFINI, as their ultimate viewing experience on contemporary British TV.

A similar number also blasted the growing reality TV trend, even though most of the panel were themselves guilty of filling schedules with fly-on-the-wall shows like POP IDOL and I'M A CELEBRITY... GET ME OUT OF HERE!.

SHARON OSBOURNE's talent contest THE X FACTOR has also impressed TV chiefs - the British show was named runner-up in the survey.