and nearly started a bizarre TV war.

The prankster amazed viewers by ringing Mr. Sharpe's new Sports Voice programme, and quipping: "Is that Four Star Pizza?''.

It left ZBM bosses smelling something fishy, and suspecting rivals VSB may have been taking the mickey, or even the Michael.

But if that was pasta joke, their presenter had yet more to swallow the following night.

This time it was a case of love on the air as a dialling damsel declared her affections for the TV sports announcer.

"I love you too,'' he replied, quick-as-a-flash.

One rumour probed by ZBM was that a VSB employee was the Four Star Pizza caller.

A ZBM journalist thought she recognised the voice, but inquiries drew a blank.

And VSB journalists have strongly denied having anything to do with the prank.

Yesterday Mr. Sharpe admitted the bizarre phone-calls had kept him on his toes.

"You do have to be quick-witted, and be ready to respond. What else could I say to the lady, other than `I love you too?'''.

He added: "I don't see these types of call as a joke. Sports Voice is a serious programme.'' Bosses are now ringing the changes with the programme so they will be calling the shots -- not the phone pests.

Newly-promoted deputy general manager of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, Mr.

Rick Richardson, said yesterday screening of callers would be stepped up.

He said screening would mirror that for the News and Views programme.

It means callers will face delays as checks are made to ensure they are genuine.

Said Mr. Richardson: "Callers from now on better beware!''