Fans of Dudley’s answer to Tom Jones, Simon Abbotts, have been told not to hurl knickers on stage because BBC bosses fear any stray undergarments could pose a health and safety risk.

Family and friends of the 44-year-old Dudley singer had planned to bombard him with underwear just like real Tom Jones fans during his last outing on The One and Only on Saturday night.

But studio bosses at the prime-time show were concerned the female flattery could literally trip up a tribute act’s bid for the big time and cause a few blushes.

Simon’s sister Rachael said: “Some of his supporters had taken some knickers with them to throw on stage.

“We don’t mind, the BBC are really good to us when we are down there.”