10:29am UK, Monday May 24, 2004

Simon Cowell has told Britney Spears she needs to tone her body before dancing around in lingerie on her current tour.

The 22-year-old Toxic singer is currently on the European leg of her Onyx Hotel roadshow.

'Shape up' says Simon

Cowell said he was far from impressed with Spears' body when he saw the part of her show where she cavorts around in underwear.

He said: "When she makes great pop records like Baby One More Time and Toxic, they're great pop records.

"But the shot of her in her underwear on stage, I would've gone to the gym a bit more before I did that. Sorry, but true."

Teen Hollywood said he made matters worse by giving Britney's chart rival Christina Aguilera a far more glowing review.

He said of Aguilera: "Great voice, great attitude. I just think this girl is a star. I really like her.

"Where Britney's different from Christina is that she is someone who's so reliant on great pop records produced and written for her.

"Christina is a bit more kind of old school - just an unbelievable singer."