Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden did her utmost to ramp up the tension with BBC rival The Voice yesterday with an ill-advised quip about singing legend Tom Jones.

Asked why viewers should tune in to ITV for tonight's show, Holden joked: "Because Tom might be spinning in his grave next week. Bring it on. This feels like the A-team to me."

The BBC were said to be shocked by Amanda's comment but BGT insiders insist she meant no offense where the 71-year-old singer was concerned, telling both sides have already taken pot shots at their rivals but Cowell yesterday suggested the BBC were the ones "making it into a battle" by pitting The Voice against BGT, saying: "It is petty scheduling."

Success may once again beckon for Simon though as 17-year-old BGT hopeful Jonathan Antoine, who sang at the London auditions, has reportedly already been labelled the "male SuBo".

Britain's Got Talent airs at 8pm tonight on ITV1. The Voice UK starts at 7pm on BBC1.