Susan's Got Issues
by Graham Davies

A few weeks ago, I predicted that Susan Boyle would win Britain's Got Talent. In fact, I was right. The first few seconds of her first performance guaranteed a record contract. It also guaranteed that she would be remembered long after last night's "winners".

But she has problems. Big personal problems that will not go away in a hurry, not just difficulties about the way she presents herself.

This rather horrible TV programme desperately needed her. And the ruthless leaking of the fact that she needed help from counsellors just to stop her quitting the show inevitably increased viewing figures. Having had their voyeuristic appetites whetted by seeing a small girl crying live on TV during one of the semi-finals, I have no doubt that a significant number of sadists tuned in hoping to see her crash and burn.

I hope that Susan makes a lot of money and that all her dreams come true. I hope that Simon Cowell's callous creativity makes her happy.

But it's time that everyone realised that the whole concept is designed to take advantage of the weak, not empower them. It's time ITV were honest, and changed the name of the show......to Britain's Got Freaks.