Professor David Wilson (left) and Evan Davis (right) at the debate
By Rory Reynolds
@ the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival
A TOP reality TV guru has slammed Britain’s Got Talent for “manipulating” vulnerable hopefuls like Susan Boyle and Hollie Steel.
Professor David Wilson – a former senior consultant for Big Brother – blasted Britain’s Got Talent, saying that vulnerable contestants Boyle and ten-year-old Hollie should never have been allowed on the show.
Speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival today (Sunday), Wilson said the primetime talent programme had deliberately encouraged Boyle because of her oddball appearance and heaped on pressure before the final.
He said: “I don’t think that Susan Boyle was even able to give proper consent.
“And the producers were not prepared to deal with the global attention she received.”
Speaking at a live debate chaired by BBC presenter Evan Davis, Wilson also hit out at producers for allowing nervous Hollie – who broke down in tears live on TV after a mistake – to perform on the show.
Hollie was allowed to begin her performance again after judge Simon Cowell stepped in to allow her a second chance. Continue reading
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