FORMER Viz editor Simon Donald has panned a new film based on his cult comic caricatures.

The cartoonist, who helped create the terrible twosome, said the film Fat Slags, which hit the big screen on Friday, was "worth less than zero."

He said the plot was embarrassing and the performances of the two main stars - Fiona Allen and Sophie Thompson - would not have been out of place in a school pantomime.

The film, directed by Ed Bye, sees the man-eating pair travel to London and taking the pop charts by storm with their vulgar behaviour.

The all-star cast includes cameos by Angus Deayton, Naomi Campbell and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

Newcastle-born Mr Donald says Royle Family star Ralf Little, who also appears in the film, personally apologised to him for his involvement.

Mr Donald first penned the cartoon in the 1980s together with brother, Chris, and fellow writers Simon Thorp and Graeme Dury. However, Viz had no creative involvement in the film.

He said: "More surprising than anything are the decent actors in the supporting cast such as Anthony Head, Angus Deayton and Ralf Little.

"The costumes and fat-suits aren't good enough for a five-minute sketch on children's TV.

"There are also tragic performances from Geri Halliwell and Naomi Campbell."

Published: 18/10/2004