Photo:

The Chinese Government has announced htat they are planning to crack down on how often talent shows can be aired by broadcasters.

Chinese versions of American Idol and The Voice are hugely popular in the East Asian state, however Beijing authorities have persistently been working to get them to decrease their airtime over the past few years, wishing to reduce 'vulgar content' and promote a more efficient use of resources.

The new rules, which also affect reality and dating programmes, will mean channels will be limited to one showing per quarter of each show during primetime viewing. There are however rumours that the rules really are an attempt to scupper the satellite channels, which attract more audiences than the national broadcaster China Central Television.

This year, Welshman Iain Inglis became a surprise hit on the China's Got Talent after performing old communist songs in a soldier's outfit. He reached the final 16, but the university lecturer claimed he was prevented from going to the final.