ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER - LLOYD WEBBER DEFENDS TALENT SHOWS AFTER SPACEY CRITICISM

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has joined Graham Norton in defending the BBC's talent shows after attacks from Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey.

The American Beauty star had criticised shows such as I'd Do Anything and Any Dream Will Do for their heavy promotion of West End musicals.

Spacey claimed the popularity of the shows was the cause of dwindling theatre attendances and said the likes of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? were a "13-week promotion for a musical".

But after I'd Do Anything host Graham Norton advised Spacey to produce more accessible productions rather than blaming BBC talent shows for poor ticket sales for plays at the Old Vic - where Spacey is artistic director - West End legend Sir Andrew has said the shows are intended to showcase young performers.

"I don't need to do television, I don't need to be on TV on a Saturday night - I enjoy it because I love helping these performers," he told the Daily Express newspaper.

"When I went to the BBC with the idea of doing The Sound of Music, firstly it wasn't my musical and, secondly, to do the show we knew we had to have a £4 million production which we were going to take a huge risk over.

"At the end of the day all I can do is try to convey my passion for theatre and musical theatre in the best way I can."

Current Saturday night talent show I'd Do Anything will see two unknowns selected to play Oliver Twist and Nancy in a new revival of Oliver!, to be produced by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.