SUSAN BOYLE BEATEN IN BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT FINAL

It is the latest controversy to hit the top-rated show after criticism of the handling of shy Scottish singing ­sensation Susan Boyle, the use of youngsters, and the dubious nature of some of the acts. Now TV regulator Ofcom could launch a probe if ITV is accused of failing in its duty of care to the ­contestants. Another disgruntled view said she was unable to get through to ITV because they were fielding too many complaints. “It was uncomfortable viewing seeing the 10-year-old breakdown. She should not have been put in the competition – it’s exploitation.”

One viewer who did get through said: “Britain’s Got Talent and all other shows should restrict the entrance from 16 years onwards because of the pressure it puts on young children to perform for their mommies and daddies and the rest of the nation. Yes Hollie Steel does have a very good singing voice but emotionally she was not ready for such a big event.”

TENSION: Susan waits for the shock result

Another added: “There should be a ‘Junior’ version of the show. viewers and the judges.”

A spokesperson for the show said ­yesterday: “All the judges agreed Hollie should be given another chance. She didn’t cry because of the pressure but because she fluffed a line. Even Susan Boyle fluffed a line.”

There were also concerns that YouTube sensation Susan Boyle, 48, from Blackburn, West Lothian, was struggling to cope with her sudden rise to global stardom.

It was rumoured earlier in the week the spinster, dubbed the ‘Hairy Angel” because of her unkept hair, might bow out of the final after reports she had lost her cool during a confrontation with two reporters.

Yesterday, show judge Piers ­Morgan jumped to her defence saying it was the media that was losing the plot not the contestants. He insisted that Boyle was in “very good spirits” ahead of last night’s final. Publicity guru Max Clifford has predicted Boyle, who lives in a ­modest council house, with her white and ginger cat Pebbles, is set to make up to £10million.

He said yesterday: “It really is ­fantastic fairy tale material, a bit like the story about the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan.”

Voters also had the choice of 12-year-old soul singer Shaheen Jafargholi, teenage heart-throb Shaun Smith, 17, John Neill and Sallie Lax, a granddad and granddaughter singing duo known as 2 Grand, There were also dance act Flawless, and 12-year-old street dancer Aidan Davis.

An ITV source said last night that there was no age limit on BGT, although judge Simon Cowell’s other show X-Factor has a limit of 16.

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