Susan Boyle 'like a virus', says Elaine Paige

Elaine Paige has likened Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle to a virus.

While Boyle has previously made no secret of her admiration for West End star Paige, the feeling appears not to be mutual.

The 48-year-old Scot's album went straight to number one in the charts and achieved the best first week's sale for a debut.

Susan Boyle's success is all down to YouTube, according to Elaine Paige

But in an interview at the South Bank Show awards, Paige said: "She (Boyle) is doing terribly well considering she literally came to the attention of the world overnight with the advent of YouTube.

"She was like a virus really that spread across the world in a nanosecond."

Last year Paige starred with Boyle for a performance on the ITV show I Dreamed A Dream.

However, she said she doubted whether Boyle could sustain her success.

"She is major star because of YouTube. Longevity is gained through knowledge, experience and effort so it will remain to be seen."

Her idol's comments came as Boyle insisted a break-in at her home was "nothing to worry about".

The singer disturbed an intruder who was in her home when she returned to Scotland from London.

As she opened her front door a youth fled from the house.

When she went inside she noticed items had been disturbed and called the police.

The star moved to a friend's house because she was uncomfortable being alone in her home in Bathgate, West Lothian, according to police.

But she has since returned home. The 48-year-old was in London recording the Helping Haiti charity single.

As she returned, Boyle smiled, waved and gave the thumbs up to wellwishers.

"Everything is absolutely fine. It is concerning for everyone but it is really nothing to worry about. It is all under control. The police have been really good about it. Very excellent," she said.

Forensics officers spent the morning examining the door frame and the back garden of Boyle's house.

Police said a 16-year-old boy was questioned in connection with the break-in but was released without charge.