TV presenter Graham Norton has sparked outrage after revealing that he has taken "loads of drugs" and that ecstasy is "just fantastic".

He made the comments in an interview with Marie Claire magazine.

The 43-year-old said: "The only time I took ecstasy was years and years ago. It was absolutely amazing. It was just fantastic - really, really fun.

"I've tried loads of drugs, but it would really bug me if I got busted in the tabloids because I take them so rarely."

The BBC comedian, who also said that cocaine was a "middle-class choice of drug", has been severely criticised by MPs and anti-drug organisations over his comments.

Tory MP John Whittingdale - chairman of the House of Commons culture, media and sport select committee - said: "To boast about the extent of your drug abuse and enjoyment, as he seems to have done, sends a message which is extremely dangerous and against everything which everyone, including the BBC, is trying to do."

Labour MP Gwyn Prosser also said that Norton's comments were "grossly irresponsible" while Peter Stoker, of the National Drug Prevention Alliance, added: "Perhaps he'd like to ask the parents of those who died from ecstasy if they think it's fun."