'Heat' was launched in 1999 as a fresh entertainment magazine appealing across a broad age range to both sexes. Now its tired, formulaic, and has become extremely female orientated. It's still published weekly, but it has not gone up to £1.25 a copy.

It used to be much more review based and plenty of information was given about a whole host of books, films and music as well as the TV listings. Take a look it now, and all it contains is what Lady Victoria Hervey got up to at some party ('looked fabulous!') or what Jordan got up to at a party ('looked tired and emotional!') or what Victoria Beckham got up to at a party... you get the picture.

It's a real shame because 'Heat' used to be really interesting to read. The interview were of interesting people, and Billie Piper didn't make an appearence in a Parka coat every single week, shopping for broccoli with Chris Evans. It has also adopted a very patronising tone of late 'you too can look like Tasha from Atomic Kitten!' - well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that 'TopShop' will probably have provided the majority of the Kitten's accessories...

Perhaps the worst thing about 'Heat' is the typical tabloid build them up and knock them down psychology. They contributed to the demise of Kelly Brook from 'The Big Breakfast', by publishing a list of weekly mistakes that she made, before giving her an interview, telling the world how talented she is, and how we should give her another chance in her other projects!

They also contribute to the media's obsession with weight. One week its praising Geri Halliwell for her brand new figure, the next they're saying she's too thin and setting a bad example, before then featuring a Geri-esque diet. I'm all for editorial diversity, but there is a degree of co-ordination which is needed in a magazine...

The adverts for the magaz
ine also make it out as if there's real drama inside. I don't know if I'm alone here, but 'exclusive' pictures of Z-list 'celebrities' 'enjoying their well-deserved break in Tuscany' don't really justify the price of what essentially makes themselves out to be a listings magazine.

If you insist on being a regular reader (as I was until recently when it began to take me only 3 minutes to read the non-gossip related articles), it is probably better to get a subscription, where you can halve the price of every issue. This is the best subscription offer that I have ever seen for a magazine, but still doesn't make up for the (lack of) content inside.

I think there's a gap in the market for a weekly listings/review magazine that doesn't base itself on gossip - too bad for 'Heat' that its missed its chance...