Connie Talbot has revealed the cost of finding fame at a young age on Britain’s Got Talent, as she faced bullies and had to go to school with a bodyguard.
The singer, 23, rose to national fame when she finished second on the first series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2007.
But being the center of attention came with dangers: Connie told how a grown man posed as a journalist in a terrifying attempt to get close to her.
Talking about the DEEP YouTube ChannelHe recalled: ‘(Fame) exposed me to the darker sides of the world that a child probably wouldn’t hear about until later in life.
‘A journalist approached us who was supposed to work for a newspaper, but it turned out that he was only interested in children.
Connie Talbot has revealed the cost of finding fame at a young age on Britain’s Got Talent, as she faced bullies and had to go to school with a bodyguard.
The singer, 23, rose to national fame when she finished second on the first series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2007.
“Thankfully my mom and dad protected me, but that was probably the first time I realized that safety was something very important to me.”
Connie’s parents were so concerned about her safety that a bodyguard accompanied her to school after her appearance on the ITV talent show.
She said: ‘I remember when I first came off the show, I had a bodyguard called Danny who was 6’10. He followed me to school every day and was with me on the playground.
‘People were climbing trees outside my school to take a photo of a girl in uniform, which is just disgusting.
“I now have two four-year-old nieces and I would look for anyone who had any kind of interest in them at that age.”
Connie, who said she doesn’t remember much from the beginning of her career, also recalled some good experiences she had after Britain’s Got Talent.
He met George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey, whom he described as a “wonderful lady” and performed at the G20 Summit, although “he doesn’t remember it.”
Connie also dispelled assumptions that everyone on television is extremely rich.
Connie said: “We were approached by a journalist who was supposed to work for a newspaper, but it turned out he was only interested in children.”
He added: “Luckily my mom and dad protected me, but it was probably the first time I realized that safety was something very important to me.”
Connie’s parents were so concerned about her safety that a bodyguard accompanied her to school after her appearance on the ITV talent show.
She said: ‘A big assumption is that because we appeared on TV we are all mega-rich. People assume you make a lot of money because you’ve appeared on television, but that’s definitely not the case.
‘People I make friends with say: I thought you’d be an idiot, but you’re nice. People think you’ll be conceited.
Following Britain’s Got Talent, Connie released her debut album Over The Rainbow in November 2007. It was certified gold in the UK and double platinum in South Korea.
He released Christmas albums in 2008 and 2009 and a fourth album in 2012.
Their most recent song, Growing Pains, was released last year.
During an appearance on This Morning in 2023, Connie said she is “very grateful” for her time on Britain’s Got Talent, calling it “the start of her life.”
Connie said of BGT: “I feel like that was the beginning of my life, because I don’t really remember anything before that.”
During an appearance on This Morning in 2023, Connie said she is “very grateful” for her time on Britain’s Got Talent, calling it “the start of her life.”
But I remember bits and pieces of the show. At the time, I really wanted to be on X Factor and I was obviously too young, so I thought, “Yeah”, this was next.
‘And it was the first season, so there was no expectation for the show. It just started out as a fun day. He gave me a run today, which is amazing. I am so lucky.’
When asked if she was looked after during her time on Britain’s Got Talent, she explained that the motto was “just have fun”, adding: “In my head I was Leona Lewis on stage singing Over the Rainbow.”
She also admitted that her family feared the negative comments would upset her, saying: “They were worried about it, the nasty side of Simon Cowell, but now he’s softened.”