Boy George unimpressed with successor

Boy George has described the singer who has replaced him in pop band Culture Club as "terrible" and "dreadful".

The 45-year-old star led the group to global stardom with hits such as Karma Chameleon and Do You Really Want To Hurt Me in the 1980s. The band recently recruited newcomer Sam Butcher for a UK tour in December, after Boy George decided not to go back on the road.

The new singer was unveiled to media and fans at an intimate gig in London in July, where his colourful style and androgynous image echoed the persona of his predecessor.

Boy George said he had seen their video on MySpace and that he wanted to like it but he couldn't.

"They're my songs. They're my heart. They're my life," he added.