Louis' fears for 'X Factor' contestant
Louis Walsh is worried an ‘X Factor’ contestant suffering from Asperger's Syndrome can’t “handle” the show.
The reality TV judge voiced concerns about how the exposure generated by the star search programme could distress some hopefuls - particularly Scott James, who suffers from the psychological condition which affects social interaction skills.
Walsh: "I don't think they can [cope], if I'm honest. People don't realise the pressure these acts are under, especially when they're competing with everybody else backstage.
"It's a very difficult show to do, even as a judge. It's very gruelling, and it's ten weeks of very intense performance. Everything you say and do is being watched. It's like 'Big Brother' meets 'Jerry Springer.' "
Walsh – who judges the show alongside Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue – added, however, the ultimate decision lies with individual contestants, as they chose to put themselves forward for the show.
Referring to James he said: "Nobody forces anybody to go to an audition. I think it's a real-life story. Is he under too much pressure? I think it has to be his choice."
Concerns were raised for the wellbeing of reality TV show contestants after ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ runner up Susan Boyle spent time in rehab being treated for exhaustion after the show earlier this year.
It is not known whether James has made it past the ‘Boot Camp’ stage of ‘The X Factor’.
The 2009 series of the show starts this Saturday.
