Holden blames media for 'stressing out' Susan Boyle

Published on Wednesday 3 June 2009 10:32

AMANDA Holden today emphatically denied that Britain's Got Talent exploited contestant Susan Boyle, blaming the press for "stressing her out".

Appearing on CNN's Larry King Live, the TV judge said the Scottish singer was upset by "exaggerated stories" and "falsehoods" written about her.

According to Holden, the 48-year-old from West Lothian – who checked into the Priory clinic after what her brother described as an anxiety attack – expects to return home "within a matter of days".

The actress added that her only concern is that the singer appears to have developed a crush on fellow judge Piers Morgan.

Police were called to Boyle's hotel over the weekend after she began acting strangely. She was taken to the Priory in north London on Sunday.

In the space of eight weeks, Boyle has gone from the quiet life of a church volunteer in a small town in Scotland to Global fame.

But she was beaten into second place by Essex dance outfit Diversity.

Her post-final health concerns have led to questions over the standard of care provided by programme makers.

Her comments come after culture minister Andy Burnham called on the broadcasting watchdog to investigate the show's producers amid concerns it failed to safeguard the welfare of Susan Boyle.

But Holden denied that Britain's Got Talent was to blame in any way.

She told Larry King: "We are a very loyal show, we love Susan very much. All the contestants that appear on the show are extraordinarily well looked after. She is getting the best support she could possibly be getting at the moment."

Holden told the late night US talk show host that the British media were to blame.

Holden said: "It was just in the last week that the downturn in press in our country I think maybe stressed her out a little bit and I think she was just quite upset by all the exaggerated stories and falsehoods that were written about her."

The judge said that Boyle's brother had indicated that she wanted to leave the clinic shortly and get on with her singing career.

"He believes that she wants to come home within a matter of days rather than weeks. And she is excited about the prospect of seeing what is out there," Holden said.

Holden added that her one concern is the affection she holds for Mr Morgan: "She seems to have a crush on Piers Morgan – that is the only thing I'm worried about."