Susan Boyle's brothers defend her after threat to quit over jibes

The singing sensation from Blackburn, West Lothian, is said to have packed her bags and threatened to quit the contest because of sniping.

One of the show's judges, Piers Morgan, has said she was in "floods of tears" earlier this week and suffering from "almost crippling nerves".

And she is reported to have lost her temper in the lobby of the Wembley Plaza Hotel in north London on Wednesday after being "wound up" by two strangers.

But her brother John Boyle, 59, said show bosses should have done more to look after her.

He said: "She has been constantly hounded by fans for the past seven weeks. Like anyone she has a breaking point – she is only human after all.

"Celebrities have professional people who insulate them from these stresses but she hasn't had this protection."

The 48-year-old spinster, who was born with minor brain damage, is now reported to be in a "secret bolthole" to stay out of the limelight ahead of tomorrow's show.

Another brother, Gerry Boyle, of Musselburgh, said Susan seemed to be coping despite the pressure as she prepares for the final, where she is favourite to win.

He said: "Susan is under tremendous strain, but she seems to be coping. She would be inhuman not to be nervous.

"She realises she's a contestant in an open competition.

"She's slightly bemused that people think it's a Susan Boyle show. Her background teaches her not to think that, although she desperately wants to win and have a career around it."

The youngest of nine, Susan has been performing since she was a child at family parties and weddings. She is a regular on her local karaoke circuit and has performed in church choirs.

But she put her dreams of pursuing a professional career on hold when their father Patrick died. Susan stayed at home in Blackburn to care for her mother Bridget, who died two years ago.

Gerry said the family was overwhelmed by his sister's worldwide success, although they have always encouraged her talent.

He said: "We're surprised and very happy she has got this far. This is exactly what Susan has wanted to do since she was a little girl.

"It's amazing that her dream has become a reality. She didn't imagine it would be on this scale. She has come from complete obscurity. I think in these times of depression, it's wonderful to have a story that makes everyone feel great.

Gerry said several of her nieces, nephews and aunts will be travelling to London to cheer her on in the final.

But he will be watching her from home – because he is busy setting up his own business.

He will be launching his Instant Music record label next month, as part of his company An Instant World, based in South Gyle.

He said it was a coincidence his sister's success had come at the same time as he was launching his business.

He said: "We're going to start seriously looking for artists and groups this summer. I'd like to help other people start their music careers."

Britain's Got Talent is on ITV1 at 6:45pm tomorrow.

BLACKBURN PREPARES TO CELEBRATE

BLACKBURN is getting ready to become a party capital as the whole town prepares to roar their most famous daughter to victory tomorrow.

Neighbours on Yule Terrace have already strung bunting across the street and are hoping to have a giant TV screen installed in time for a massive street party.

And at the nearby community centre dozens of friends are readying to celebrate long into the night if she can pull off her dream.

Ralph Bell, 47, is the manager of the centre and has been planning the event for days. He said: "

We are expecting four or five hundred people to turn up and have had to move the party from the smaller hall to the basketball courts and have also had to get a risk assessment done.

"Hopefully we'll have a homecoming party for her too."

If that is not enough there is a third party in town on Saturday with the Happy Valley Hotel getting in on the act.

Barmaid Kellie Brown, 24, said: "We are having a party from 7pm until 1am so we can watch the show and then celebrate afterwards once she has won."