Spacey Attacks BBC Talent Shows

Actor Kevin Spacey has criticised the BBC over talent shows such as 'Any Dream Will Do' and 'I'd Do Anything', claiming that the shows are "unfair".
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the double Oscar-winner, who is the artistic director of Old Vic, said that the shows were "essentially a 13-week promotion for a musical".
Spacey said that it was great that people were becoming interested in theatres and the West End, but suggested that the current shows were "crossing the line".
The Hollywood star suggested that the BBC should broadcast a series about the theatre that would help young people to find "their own sense of self-esteem, confidence and ability to collaborate".
The BBC has said that the shows were not "unduly promotional" and that other West End shows were also reflected in the shows.
The BBC is currently showing 'I'd Do Anything', which is searching for two new stars to feature in a new musical version of Lionel Bart's 'Oliver Twist'.
The BBC's previous talent shows, 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?' and 'Any Dream Will Do', made stars out of Connie Fisher and Lee Mead in new productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Sound Of Music' and 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat', respectively.
Kevin Spacey is currently starring in a production of David Mamet's 'Speed-the-Plow' which dramatizes the deal making that goes on behind the scenes in the movie industry, at the Old Vic.
His latest film, gambling drama '21', is due to be released in the UK on April 11.
(KMcA)