Kevin Spacey has slammed the BBC for being too commercial and over-promoting musicals at the expense of theatre through its Andrew Lloyd-Webber talent search shows.
The Hollywood star, who is currently artistic director at the Old Vic theatre in London, told a BBC journalist that, by giving the musical talent searches prime time exposure, the BBC was "crossing the line" and operating too commercially.
He said: "I felt that was essentially a 13-week promotion for a musical - where's our 13-week programme? When are they going to do one about a play?
He continued: "I've spoken to your (the BBC's) chairman and he's yet to get back to me about it. You're not a commercial operation and I thought it was crossing the line unfairly. I think it's imbalanced."
Spacey also warned that if theatre did not begin to connect with a youth audience it would, "lose them all to TV" and called for the return of the discontinued BBC series 'Play for Today'.
The BBC has responded by saying that the musical programmes were not "unduly promotional" and that they had no commercial interest in the ensuing musicals.
It released a statement saying: "The BBC does not itself stage musicals so we have worked with first class partners from the world of musical theatre.
"The show ('I'd Do Anything') is about finding new talent, and in order for this challenge to have true credibility with the voting audience the role has to be a real one.
"Even though we are casting specific parts, other West End shows are always reflected in the series."
It added: "The BBC doesn't have any commercial interest in the subsequent West End production, or any related spin-offs such as touring productions.
"We're fully aware of the need to ensure that 'I'd Do Anything' is not 'unduly promotional' and will continue to take steps to ensure that the programme meets with all BBC Editorial Guidelines as with previous productions.
"The BBC has a long-standing commitment as a patron of the arts."
