Angry Cowell responds to Spacey's BBC attack

Apr 13 2008

SIMON Cowell blasted Hollywood star Kevin Spacey's attack on BBC talent shows yesterday.

Usual Suspects star Spacey had claimed BBC shows designed to find new stars for musical revivals were harming mainstream theatre.

Spacey, now artistic director at the Old Vic theatre in London, said the shows "distorted" the theatre market in favour of musicals. But X Factor judge Cowell said: "What the BBC does is very good for the West End.

"It reminds millions of people what the West End is all about."

During the past two years, BBC1 have cast stars for two productions and are now seeking stars for Oliver! in I'd Do Anything.