Britain's Got Talent under fire over Susan Boyle's care

LONDON - Ofcom has received a significant number of complaints about the treatment of Susan Boyle on 'Britain's Got Talent' and could launch an inquiry into whether ITV has breached the broadcasting code.

Boyle, who has learning difficulties, was taken to private London clinic The Priory on Sunday following fears over her mental health after the final of the show.

She is reported to have run down the corridor backstage shouting "I hate this show" after losing to dance group Diversity and is said to have thrown a glass of water over a floor manager who tried to calm her down.

The 48-year-old virgin also surprised viewers when she pulled up her skirt to flash a leg following her performance of 'I Dreamed a Dream' from 'Les Miserables'.

Section eight of the broadcasting code states: "People in a state of distress should not be put under pressure to take part in a programme or provide interviews, unless it is warranted."

'Britain's Got Talent' producer Talkback Thames admitted that contestants are not psychologically tested and has now said it will review this policy, according to the Daily Mail.

John Whittingdale MP, chairman of the Commons culture, media and sport committee, told The Telegraph, that the programme-makers had questions to answer about their duty of care to such a vulnerable contestant.

He said: "Susan Boyle has a tremendous talent, but plainly she has had the most extraordinary degree of exposure, to an extent which nobody has had before.

"It is perfectly understandable that somebody like her, who lives alone and comes from a very humble background, would find it hard to deal with. I would expect that the programme makers help her as much as possible."

Boyle became an overnight sensation after her first audition was televised on April 11 and has since appeared on US TV shows 'Oprah' and 'Larry King Live' via satellite link.

'Britain's Got Talent' provided Boyle with a counsellor in the last week of the show when it became apparent she was becoming overwhelmed by the situation.

The final of 'Britain's Got Talent' was watched by a peak of 19.2m viewers, the highest TV audience for five years.

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