10. Whether Paula Abdul returns to American Idol's judging panel or not, she'll still merit a place in our top 10 reality show judges - if only for her absolute bonkersness.
9. Speaking of which, David Hasselhoff is another thirsty and unpredictable star who's upped his profile by judging a reality show.. His exuberant attitude and facial expressions make America's Got Talent worth watching.
8. Cheryl Cole can be credited with almost singlehandedly rescuing The X Factor from the doldrums. Her combination of sassy wit and maudlin sentimentiality was just the breath of fresh air the show needed. Sharon who?
7. The 'other' established judge on American Idol, Randy Jackson is as predictable as Paula is wayward. A generation of showbiz wannabes have been told they are "a bit pitchy" by Randy-dog - who also constantly name-drops Mariah and Whitney.
6. Let's be honest. No reality competition show is complete without a judge with an accent- and Strictly Come Dancing is no exception. Wacky yet lovable choreographer Bruno Tonioli is prone to rant and rave over a job well done - and also fulfills the role of the judge most likely to jump over the desk in elation.
5. America's Next Top Model head honcho Tyra Banks makes compelling viewing - and is as brutally honest as she is self-obsessed and cloyingly emotional. Never mind that all her poses look like "Blue Steel" from Zoolander, the contestants almost always idolize Tyra, embracing and crying with her like sisters as they share their emotional journeys. Bleugh!
4. Perhaps a surprise entry at number four, but no fan of Masterchef Goes Large will disagree with out choice of the genial, pudding-loving Greg Wallace as one of the all-time great reality judges. If he'd married as many of the contestants as he threatened to, he'd need to join the Mormons.
3. "Uncle" Len Goodman from Strictly is the voice of reason on the show - and the perfect gentleman to boot. Brucey and Arlene might have been hogging the headlines, but we reckon Len is the real reason for this show's continuing success.
2. Now Lord Sugar, the artist formerly known as Sir Alan knocked his US counterpart Donald Trump into a cocked hat when it came to cutting his would-be Apprentices down to size. The no-nonsense business tycoon might have made some wacky decisions, but he always gave the villains their comeuppance in the end.
1. Come on, who else did you think it would be? It's a national disgrace that Simon Cowell hasn't been made a peer of the realm too, because the busy pop mogul must be one of Britain's most successful exports - and his wit and honesty have seen him move from panto villain to hero for fans of American Idol and The X Factor.