The One and Only - Meat Loaf impersonator speaks out against show

18 January 2008 - A number of tribute acts have claimed reality talent show The One and Only could hinder their chances of being booked.

According to the Sun, some UK tribute acts are furious about the show, calling it insulting and "a mockery of the industry".

Dean Torkington, who has performed as Meat Loaf for 15 years, said the programme does not truly show off the best impersonators in the UK, as top performers do not have the time to give up two or three months to appear on TV.

"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," he told the Stage News.

However, Steve Preston - an Elvis impersonator - said he is not bothered by the show's principle, as it may boost the profile of tribute acts in the UK.

"I am not sure the top impersonators are there, but a primetime Saturday night show like this keeps our business in the public arena," he explained.

The One and Only - fronted by comedian Graham Norton - was defended by a BBC spokesman, who claimed the show is a "celebration of the dedication, hard work and professionalism that goes into making a convincing performance", including stage presence, hair, makeup and vocals.
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