THE boss of the company behind Britain’s Got Talent has defended the show after claims that it “manipulated” 10-year-old Hollie Steel.

In a debate at the Edinburgh International Television Festival Sara Geater, the chief operating officer of TalkbackThames, said the welfare of contestants was paramount.

Hollie, of Huncoat, broke down mid-performance on the show earlier this year and producers were criticised for putting too much pressure on young contest-ants.

Ms Geater denied that Hollie had “been set up”.

She added that the youngster had not displayed signs of nerves during rehearsals and that she had performed many times before appearing on the show.

She said: “Her interests were always paramount.

“It is in our interests that the welfare of contestants is param-ount.

“Had we not allowed her to sing a second time it would have been far more damaging [for her].”

Ms Geater also revealed that Hollie’s appearance on the talent show actually broke an arcane piece of broadcasting legislation.

Under a 1963 TV regulation children under the age of 14 are not allowed to appear on live shows after 7pm – making Hollie’s appearance in breach.

However an older law relating to the theatre allows children to appear on stage three times a week up until 11pm.

“Technically it [Hollie’s appearance] was [illegal], yes,” said Ms Geater, in response to a question from session chair Evan Davis.

“The reason is because of a huge anomaly in the law.

“We rung each of the local education authorities up – they knew what we were doing.”

The Department for Children, Schools and Families is currently undertaking a wide-ranging review on children appearing on TV.