Sharon Osbourne apologises to Susan Boyle

Sharon Osbourne has apologised for insulting Britain's Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle on an American radio station.

The former X Factor judge said on Twitter that she wanted to "apologise for getting a cheap laugh" at the Scottish singer's expense.

Sharon called Boyle a "lovely lady" who had been hit by "the ugly stick" when she appeared on Sirius XM Radio earlier this month.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Sharon is seen laughing with presenters Opie and Anthony on their talk show after she said: "You just want to say God bless and here's a Gillette razor."

In her apology, Sharon said: "Susan Boyle is a lovely gracious woman and I took advantage of that by poking fun at her.

"I would never want to be responsible for hurting Susan and I must apologise for getting a cheap laugh at her expense."

In September, Susan appeared on the finale of America's Got Talent and performed the Rolling Stones hit Wild Horses.

The singer shot to fame in April when she appeared on Britain's Got Talent, singing I Dreamed a Dream from the musical Les Miserables.