Cowell hires psychologists to help 'Talent' rejects

Simon Cowell has hired a team of psychologists to help ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ rejects cope.

The music mogul – who is known for his hurtful comments and “put-downs” - has decided to call in a team of experts to make sure this year’s performers are well-prepared when they appear on the programme.

A source told Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “Susan Boyle proved to be TV gold but, ultimately, Simon is more concerned about welfare of the contestants than their background story.

“All sorts of people have auditioned for this series and none come from showbiz backgrounds. Simon’s put-downs are legendary and sometimes people take them to heart and get upset.

“Being ridiculed in front of millions of people is not much fun.”

These therapists will work closely with UK mental health charity Mind, and their expertise will be available 24 hours a day to those who perform in front of the judging panel – which also consists of Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan.

The new series of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ is due to start on Saturday, where the first round of pre-recorded auditions will be aired.

The contestants are not the only people left traumatised by the show.

TV host Ant McPartlin – who presents the reality show with his presenting partner Dec Donnelly - has revealed his “lowlight” of the audition process was when he was bitten by a performing dog and chased by a pig in the same day.

He told The Sun newspaper: "My lowlight was in Cardiff. On the same day I was bitten by a dog, chased by a pig and shouted at by a contestant."

While the dog took a dislike to Ant, he was seemingly won over by Dec.

A source added: “Dec had the opposite effect. The dog wouldn't leave him alone and followed him about backstage.”