BBC Ones newest primetime show, The One and Only has been criticised for damaging the tribute industry.

Meatloaf impersonator Dean Torkington told The Stage newspaper: “The best tribute acts are that busy that they can’t give up two or three months to be at the beck and call of the BBC.

“We cannot do that. If you can give up two months of your diary and enter a competition hoping you’ll win, obviously you cannot have a lot of work.

“If I was watching this show and owned a big hotel and was thinking of hiring a tribute act, it would put me off booking a tribute show for life. It has set the industry back.”

Phil Fryer, who impersonates Frank Sinatra, added: “I think it’s a bit of an insult to say it’s a search to find the best tribute in the country. It makes a mockery of the industry and hasn’t done the tribute game any favours.”

A BBC spokesman defended the show saying:

“Far from making a mockery of tribute acts, it’s a celebration of the dedication, hard work and professionalism which goes into making a convincing tribute act.

“The nationwide audition shows attracted strong competition for the chance to take part and win a once in a lifetime prize of performing in Las Vegas.”

So what do you think? Have you been enjoying the show? Leave your comments below…