Press Releases

Osmond urges reality show to set up 'losers' helpline

December 30, 2008
Tiscali

Veteran pop crooner Jimmy Osmond has called for TV talent show the The X Factor to set up a helpline to support distressed young hopefuls who don't succeed in winning the show. The singer, who shot to fame aged nine as part of family pop band The Osmonds, urges bosses on the hit TV show to look after vulnerable wannabes - insisting they may not be able to cope with reality of losing.

He tells The People newspaper, "It's really hard when you don't make it. It's dangerous to their lives.

"We need a support group for all the kids that made it so far and then are no longer."

But the 45-year-old admits the show is a good idea - because it gives younger performers a better chance of breaking into the industry.
He adds, "(Reality shows are) great because kids who would never have an opportunity, get exposure."