Britain's got sued: Singer wants £2.5m from Cowell after 'humiliation' before 20m

By Emily Andrews

Tribunal: Emma Amelia Pearl Czikai claims she was left humiliated after judges on Britain's got Talent criticised her performance


A Britain's Got Talent contestant is suing Simon Cowell for £2.5million, claiming she was 'humiliated and degraded' on the hit ITV show.

Emma Amelia Pearl Czikai, 54, says she was mocked by judges Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan when they buzzed her off saying she could not sing.

Cowell said she had a 'horrible singing voice' while Miss Holden added: 'I just can't see how she can't see that she can't sing.'

The former nurse claims she was ridiculed in front of 20million viewers and the trio took away her 'self respect and dignity' in order to boost the programme's ratings and profit.

Miss Czikai is attempting to have her claims heard at an employment tribunal but is being fought by BGT lawyers.

She says her performance, screened in May last year, suffered as a result of numerous medical complaints which left her with constant pain and meant she could not sing in noisy raucous environments.

On the show, a clip of which was subsequently posted on YouTube, a smirking Cowell asked Miss Czikai if she thought she had the talent to win.

Dressed in an intricately embroidered red ball gown, she replied: 'Oh Simon, I'm wonderful. You will go home and think I'm so glad that I met that woman.'

But after only a few notes of Westlife's power ballad You Raise Me Up, Morgan was the first judge to buzz her off, quickly followed by the other two.

Against a backdrop of loud booing, Cowell then said: 'Emma, this is a beautiful song when you're not singing it and I think I speak on behalf of everyone that you have a horrible singing voice.'

When Miss Czikai tried to protest that the backing track was too loud and she wasn't used to the microphone, he snapped: 'It's not loud enough. Emma, Emma, reality check here. It's not the music, it's not the microphone, it's you.'

Miss Czikai also lifted the lid on the way contestants were treated on the show and said it was like 'modern day slavery'.


Not impressed: Judge Simon Cowell looks uninterested by the contestant's display and has had to employ a QC to fight employment tribunal claims as a result


She said contestants were routinely humiliated, bullied into saying things they didn't mean and goaded to become angry and frustrated to make good television.
Meanwhile she saw 'servants' walking through with platters of lobster, seafood and caviar which she was told was for Miss Holden, Morgan and Cowell.

Yesterday at an employment tribunal hearing Miss Czikai, claimed she was the victim of disability discrimination because the talent show had not made adjustments for her such as lowering the music and microphone levels.

Miss Czikai, who is representing herself, also claimed she had suffered 'ongoing harassment' because a later improved performance on spin-off show Britain's Got More Talent was not linked to the original clip on YouTube to prove she could sing.

The pre-tribunal review, which will decide if a full hearing will go ahead, was told that Miss Czikai was seeking £300,000 for her injured feelings, compensation of £1million and loss of earnings of £1.25million - although she said if she were awarded any money it would go to charity.

She told the hearing in central London yesterday: 'I haven't got a horrible singing voice when I sing in a fair environment that meets the needs of my particular disabilities as I proved when I performed live on Britian's Got More Talent.


Attack: Miss Czikai claims her performance was impeded by medical conditions - and that she can actually sing


'Britain's Got Talent have sought to accrue profit to themselves through exploitation of a film clip that they know perpetrates a lie that I cannot sing.'

Breaking down in tears she added: 'This programme makes a select number of rich people very very rich on the backs of the ordinary man and woman in the street through exploitation, humiliation, degradation and a re-emergence of modern-day barbarism with all its inherent cruelty.'

Thomas Linden QC, representing Cowell's TV company Simco, opposed Miss Czikai's right to have a full hearing on the basis that BGT was not an employer and that the staff had no prior knowledge of her disabilities. He also questioned whether posting a clip on the web constituted on-going harassment.

Miss Czikai suffers from fibromyalgia, which is characterised by widespread pain and fatigue, but is not recognised by some doctors. The hearing continues.


Unimpressed: Simon Cowell reacts to Miss Czikai's performance which took place in May last year


It's a no from them: All three judges buzzed the contestant out before she had completed her song



source: dailymail

A pole-dancing groom and a diamond-encrusted dress... First episode of Katie & Alex: For Better, For Worse reveals extent of pair's extravagant weddin

By Sarah Bull

Blushing bride: Katie Price tries on the diamond-encrusted full skirted dress she eventually chooses to wear for her wedding blessing to Alex Reid


Katie Price has never been one to do anything by halves, and it seems her new husband Alex Reid is following in her footsteps.


*** Scroll down to watch vdo ***


The full extent of the couple's extravagant wedding blessing was revealed in the first episode of their new ITV2 reality show Katie & Alex: For Better, For Worse.

While Alex stripped off and started pole dancing on his stag do, Katie travelled to Paris in search of the perfect wedding dress, and ended up leaving with a diamond-encrusted gown


Sparkly: The sight of Katie in the corset-style dress reduced her mother Amy to tears in the Parisian store


The new series sees the couple preparing for their wedding blessing, following their quickie Las Vegas wedding in February, and things don't get off to a smooth start.

On the first day of wedding planning, Katie and Alex disagree about where they should have the ceremony, with Katie arguing that it would be more romantic in the local church and Alex insisting he is 'turned on' by the thought of having it in the garden of their Sussex home.

However, it's Katie who wins in the end, and it's decided the ceremony will be held at the church down


Busty: The corset-style top struggled to contain Katie's ample assets, but she was happy with the look


And one that didn't make it... Katie tries on a Swan Lake style dress, but mum Amy tells her, 'It doesn't do anything for your boobs'


And while it started off being a low-key affair, the blessing quickly turns into more than just a chance for friends and family to celebrate.

With help from three drag queens from hit West End show Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert, a giant pink stiletto, human statues dressed as gargoyles and a cage, preparations for the wedding reception are made.

But despite the outrageous reception plans, one thing was certain to remain low-key - the food.


Stag on a mission: Alex Reid strips off to start pole dancing at his eventful, and alcohol-filled, stag do


Excited: Alex can't stop smiling as he shows off his incredible skills on the pole at the Guildford venue


While Katie opted for a fish and chip supper for their guests, Alex suggested possibly hiring a kebab van. However, yet again, Katie's choice was the final decision.

The couple's invitations were suitably glamorous, showing a finger against a red hot pair of lips - 'to show that it's a secret wedding', according to Katie.

But Alex was less than impressed with the invites, continuously laughing at them before finally giving in and addressing some of them to his friends.


Buff: Alex showed off his muscly figure as he stripped to his pants for the pole-dancing routine


Impressive: Alex pulled some amazing moves out of the hat as he was watched by an audience including his stags


Score cards: The naughty nurses hold up placards bearing scores following Alex's amazing routine


There has been constant speculation about the state of Katie and Alex's marriage, and while it was clear Katie is the dominant partner in the relationship, Alex said they have learned to make it work.

He explained: 'Katie's a hard arse - she can keep going and going when we are arguing. But I know deep down that we really love each other.

'Sometimes you just need to have a cuddle and talk heart to heart, soul to soul, and it all gets sorted out.'


And some for you too: Katie giggles as a male stripper gets up close and personal during her hen do


Ready to go! Katie watches with anticipation as the strippers, who entered wearing long clothes, slowly strip


After a party to decide which cocktails would be best for the blessing celebration, it was time for Katie and Alex to choose their outfits for the wedding.

Alex decided to go to renowned tailor Terence Trout for his morning suit. But, after being measured for the outfit, Alex left wearing an off the peg suit to fool the ever-present paparazzi outside the store.

However, London wasn't good enough for Katie's dress hunt, so she decided to take herself, and mother Amy, over to Paris in a bid to find the perfect gown.



Preparing: Alex and Katie have a rehearsal for their wedding blessing in St Paul's Church in Woldingham


Kneeling: The pair kneel in front of the vicar as he goes through how the big day will pan out


After trying on several dresses, including a Swan Lake type gown which did little to flatter her figure, Katie finally settled on a full skirted dress which came complete with a diamond-encrusted corset-style bodice.

And seeing her little girl in her wedding dress, Amy couldn't help shed a tear before she was comforted by her not-so-subtle daughter who told her: 'Why are you crying, Mum? It's only a dress - what are you going to be like on the day?'

Upon her return to London, Katie was whisked away to an exclusive hen do at the Mayfair Hotel, organised by close friends Phil Turner, Gary Cockerill and Katie's close friend and bridesmaid Melody.


Invitations: Alex is unimpressed by the invitations, which had a picture of a finger and a pair of lips on the front


Addressing: Alex is mocked by Katie when he spells friend Donna's name as Donner on the invitation


The party was full of flowing champagne, and Katie was even treated to three male strippers, who came into the room wearing full-length black coats, and left wearing nothing.

But instead of letting herself go completely, mother-of-three Katie decided to take things slowly at the event, and stuck to orange juice instead of swigging champagne.

Explaning her decision, Katie said: 'I don't want to drink because I'm getting older and it takes me two days now to get over a hangover.'


Glamour puss: Katie's hair is seen teased into a huge beehive, accessorised with a veil and a tiara


Excited: A jubilant Alex Reid rushes into the church ahead of the ceremony


However, things weren't quite so sensible over at Alex's stag do.

Organised by his brother Rupert, Alex and his stags were treated to an afternoon of clay pigeon shooting before moving on to the Players Lounge casino and strip bar in Guildford.

As well as being served drinks by 'nurses' dressed in very provocative skimpy outfits, the stags were treated to the sight of their waitresses attempting to stay on a bucking bronco, before being given a full-on performance by several pole dancers.


Thrilled: Katie smiles broadly as she prepares to go to the church for the blessing


Transport: Katie's friends and family arrived at the church in this bus


But the party really started with stag Alex decided to try his luck on the pole.

Stripped to his pants, Alex nimbly made his way up to the top of the pole before showing off his best moves to an audience including his nurse friends - who gave him top marks for his show.

Katie also revealed during tonight's episode that she had her wedding ring from her first marriage to Peter Andre made into a diamond bangle enscribed with children Harvey, Junior and Princess's names.

She said: 'When I'm older, Princess will end up getting the bracelet made of the diamonds I married her dad in.

'I suppose when I look at it I think, "Oh, that's the wedding ring", but it's not the wedding ring now, it's the bangle.'


Recycling: Katie revealed on the show that she had her wedding ring from her marriage to Peter Andre made into a diamond bangle


Inheritance: Katie said she will give the bracelet, enscribed with her children's names, to Princess when she is older


The pair's decision to air their wedding blessing and honeymoon as part of a three-part special on ITV2 was criticised by many, but Katie and Alex defended their decision.

Katie said: 'It's going to be great sharing this fantastic day with my friends and family.

'I can't wait to celebrate our love for each other again.'

While Alex added: 'Katie and I are really looking forward to spending our special day with our family and close friends.

'Seeing her walk down the aisle again and being able to share it with the people we love will make this truly memorable.'


Friends and family: Katie and Alex's special day was attended by hundreds of their closest friends and family


The next episode of Katie & Alex: For Better, For Worse will be aired on ITV2 next Wednesday, and will show the couple's actual blessing day.

But things don't appear to go quite to plan, as Alex is seen saying Katie is an hour and ten minutes late arriving at the church in the teaser for next week's show.



source: dailymail

Cheryl Cole has a Top Gun moment as she arrives at X Factor auditions in a helicopter

By Mail Online Reporter

Ready for business: Cheryl Cole goes for flying chic in a leather jacket, skinny jeans and aviator shades as she arrives at the ExCel Centre in London


On last year's X Factor, Cheryl Cole experimented with a variety of looks in a style battle with fellow judge Dannii Minogue.

But as she arrived via helicopter to the latest round of auditions in London today, Cole found fashion inspiration from an unlikely source - Tom Cruise in Top Gun

Perhaps in a bid to channel aviator-style as she enjoyed the helicopter flight, the 26-year-old looked ready to join the Air Force in her leather jacket and a pair of aviator shades.


Travelling in style: The slim star looked like she had enjoyed the helicopter ride


Her black and white ensemble was a far cry from the more feminine outfit she sported at the auditions earlier this week, which saw her team an orange shift dress with the same pair of Christian Louboutin dogtooth heels.

Despite reports Cole and Simon Cowell had clashed with Louis Walsh at Tuesday's auditions in the capital, the trio looked back on good terms as they disembarked the helicopter at the ExCel Centre in Docklands.

The Irish music mogul stormed out of the auditions after Cole and Cowell refused to put through a singer that he had given a '100 per cent yes' to.


Walking tall: Cole nearly measured up to Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh in her killer heels


Flying high: The judges arrived at the ExCel Centre in a helicopter


An X Factor spokesman confirmed Walsh was angry: 'Louis was back in time to judge the next act.'

As they walked into the large arena, Cowell narrowly avoided falling flat on his face after falling over some equipment outside ExCel.

Joining the trio was new Xtra Factor host Konnie Huq, who mingled with wannabe stars queuing for their chance to become the next Alexandra Burke or Leona Lewis.


Whoopsie: Cowell trips over some equipment lying outside the centre as Cole and Walsh carry on chatting oblivious


Today marks their third or four days at the London auditions, before heading to Dublin next week, before Cardiff on 2 July and Manchester from 9-11 July.

Unlike previous auditions in Glasgow and Birmingham, no guest judge has joined Cowell, Cole and Walsh in the capital.

Geri Halliwell and Natalie Imbruglia stood in for pregnant judge Dannii Minogue at the Birmingham and Glasgow auditions, with Katy Perry expected in Dublin and Pixie Lott in another city.


In the summer spirit: Xtra Factor presenter Konnie Huq chats to wannabes queuing outside


source: dailymail

Time to hide behind the sofa! Every Doctor Who enemy to make an appearance in two-part series finale

By Liz Thomas

Finale: Matt Smith as the Time Lord in the series finale of Doctor Who. The two-part programme features every enemy of the doctor's


Every major enemy of the Time Lord will make an appearance in the finale of this series of Doctor Who.

In a terrifying two part programme - entitled The Pandorica Opens - the Doctor will be confronted by many of his old foes.

The Daleks, Cybermen, Silurians, Judoon, Sontarans, Sycorax, Weevils and Autons, will all feature in the final show.


Terrifying: Karen Gillan, who plays the Doctor's assistant Amy Pond, fights with one of the enemies in the show


The drama, which is set in 102AD in Roman Britain, will see him and assistant Amy Pond find their way to the Pandorica, which is buried beneath Stonehenge.

Described as 'a box, a cage, and a fairytale', legend claims it contain 'the most feared being in all the cosmos.'

The pair enlist the help of a Roman legion to help their battle and Miss Pond comes face to face with the dreaded cybermen for the first time.

New Time Lord Matt Smith said: ‘The Doctor is really up against it. These are two of the most ambitious episodes. It is everything that Doctor Who should be when it is firing on all cylinders.’


Dramatic: The finale, which is set in 102AD in Roman Britain, will see the Doctor and assistant Amy Pond find their way to the Pandorica, which is buried beneath Stonehenge


Teaming up: The pair enlist the help of a Roman legion to help their battle and Miss Pond comes face to face with the dreaded cybermen for the first time


He added that his incarnation of the Time Lord was a ‘compromise’ between what is on the page and me. The scripts are so good and they allow me to be playful.’

Co-star Karen Gillan, 22, added: ‘The final episodes tie up a lot of loose ends and things from across the series are revealed and explained.’

Only a handful of people know the fate of the Time Lord and his companion as executives are keen to keep it a surprise for the audience at home.

Smith has a minimum three year deal with the BBC while Miss Gillan is contracted for at least another series.


Feared: The Pandorica, described as 'a box, a cage, and a fairytale', is buried beneath Stonehenge


Ambitious: The two-part series finale has been described as the 'most ambitious' episodes of all time by Smith


The BBC took a gamble casting relative unknowns as the lead roles in one of its flagship shows.

Smith’s credits have included minor parts in BBC2 political drama Party Animals and detective drama Moses Jones.

Miss Gillan was a model, waitress and jobbing actress before she auditioned for the role of Amy Pond.

Many had been sceptical the corporation could maintain the success that David Tennant enjoyed.

The 37 year-old Scottish actor played the role for four years and was voted the best Time Lord.


Dream team: Alex Kingston makes an appearance in the finale alongside Smith and Gillan


Big shoes to fill: Despite fears he would not live up to his predecessor David Tennant, Smith is proving extremely popular as the Time Lord


But this latest series - the fifth - has pulled in ratings in excess of eight million and both Smith and Miss Gillan have been well received by critics.

But her character’s revealing outfits have had a mixed response from fans of the show.

Some have called her the ‘sexiest’ companion yet, but others – in particular parents – have been concerned her style and attitude is too risqué for a family drama.

Miss Pond was first seen dressed in a racy policewoman kissogram outfit and in later episode she has worn tiny mini skirts.

There was also criticism over scenes in which she tries to seduce the Time Lord in her bedroom.

Miss Gillan recently hit back at the 'uproar' over her character’s sexy demeanour - saying feminism was not the issue any more.



Return of the enemies: The daleks (left) and Cybermen will make an appearance in the finale


Villains: The terrifying Sontarans will also be seen, along with the Silurians, Judoon, Sycorax, Weevils and Autons


She said she didn't want 'strong female' Amy to conform to a simple 'girl next door' formula and her character wouldn't just constantly stand around in awe of the Doctor.

The actress added that Amy's short skirts are typical of what young women like to wear.

Miss Gillan explained: 'I guess there was a bit of an uproar and I really didn't see that coming. I just don't get it with the skirts.

'It's what any girl on the street is wearing. I mean, Amy's not a schoolgirl, she's 21, pretty much the same age as me, and we all wear stuff like this.'


The end is nigh? The Doctor gets electrocuted in one particularly terrifying scene


She said: 'Feminism is not the issue any more, not for me, anyway. It's just never occurred to me that a woman wouldn't be equal, in any sphere, to a man.

'It's nothing that has ever come up in my life and nothing I've thought about in terms of Amy.

'She's just a strong girl, woman, whatever. Oh, let's just say she's a strong female. And I really like that she gets to drive the plot sometimes and gets her own storylines.

'She's not just standing around in awe of the Doctor all the time.'

The first part of The Pandorica opens broadcast on BBC1 at 6.40pm and concludes on Saturday June 26.

source: dailymail

Britain's Got Talent: Gymnastic group Spelbound win this year's final as Twist and Pulse come in a close second

By Georgina Littlejohn

Champions: Gymnastic group Spelbound were crowned this year's winners of Britain's Got Talent


They were the hot favourites to win this year's Britain's Got Talent final.

And last night, gymnastic group Spelbound proved they had what to took to capture the nation's heart as they were crowned the winners of the ITV talent show.

The accolade won them £100,000 and the chance to perform in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance.

The 13 acrobats jumped up and down as they beat dance duo Twist and Pulse to the coveted top spot after the public vote put them above the dance duo and drummer Kieran Gaffney.


Amazing: Spelbound performed a dizzying routine that left everyone stunned and helped them become the winners of Britain's Got Talent


Clad in revealing black PVC costumes and sprayed with gold, the 13-strong group looked noticeably more tanned than usual as they mesmerised a TV audience of millions – it was revealed last week that a London salon had offered them free unlimited sunbeds after a magazine dubbed them ‘tasty but pasty’.

They were the only act in the final to receive a standing ovation from all three judges.

They said: 'This is unbelievable, thank you to everyone out there, this just goes to show our hard work paid off.'

Earlier they had impressed the judges and the voting public with their energetic and at times dangerous routine, which saw one of them being thrown over the heads of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan.


The judges: Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, who wore a Ivory silk crepe v-neck fishtail gown by Ralph & Russo, and Piers Morgan


Amanda Holden told them: 'I am running out of adjectives to describe you. We are hosting the 2012 Olympics, what an opening act you would be.'

Simon Cowell added: 'Putting it in Olympic terms, That would have won the gold medal. One of the most astonishing things I have ever seen.'

The name Spelbound is derived from Spelthorne Gymnastics club in West London where the group, aged 12 to 24, all meet.

They beat Ashley Glazebrook and Glen Murphy, both 19 years old, and also known as Twist and Pulse to take first place.


Twist and Pulse: Friends Ashley Glazebrook and Glen Murphy impressed with their original dance routine



Back to front: Tobias Mead started his act suspended from the air upside down before launching into his backwards performance


The dancing duo were the first act to perform and went down a storm with the judges and audience alike.

Piers Morgan told them: 'Sometimes people say it's a disaster to go first - you have set the bar tonight for people to follow. It was fantastic. really good.'

Amanda added: 'Tonight you've shown me there's more and more and more. You're on the money every single time.'

And Simon added: 'This was the best routine we've seen of you so far. Was really impressed with you guys tonight.'

Third place went to little drummer boy Kieran Gaffney, who drummed along to Wipeout as dancers bopped underneath his suspended drum kit.

Piers told him: 'You've got unbelievable talent at drumming, great to watch.'

Amanda, who looked stunning in a Ralph & Russo dress Ivory silk crepe v-neck fishtail gown with a center front split with a Swarovski crystal encrusted waist, added: 'Those drums were on fire tonight. I can't describe it.'


Little drummer boy: Kieran Gaffney plays the drums while suspended in the air over some dancers


And Simon added: 'You are a showman. What I love about you is that you've got real passion and enthusiasm and I absolutely really, really, really, like you.'

And sadly it wasn't meant to be for Tobias Mead, who didn't even make the final three, despite being a big hit among the judges and the fans of the show.

His elaborate performance saw him suspended from the ceiling before he launched into his backwards dancing routine.


Mini heartthrobs: Teenybop boy band Connected got the girls in the audience screaming with their Westlife cover


Piers told him he was a 'showman' who would go down a storm on stage in Las Vegas, while Amanda said his 'creativity and imagination is second to none'
She also told him: 'And you're fit. Eye candy and best dancer on this show.

Sadly, Simon's prediction that the show could have seen an upset with Tobias going all the way, wasn't to be


Singing sensations: Manchester schoolboy Liam McNally and accountant Christopher Stone sang their hearts out for the judges


Canine capers: Tina Humphreys and her dancing dog Chandi


Also performing tonight was Tina Humphreys and her amazing dancing dog Chandi, described by the judges as 'charming', 'entertaining' and 'gorgeous'.

Grandmother Janey Cutler, 80, melted everyone's hearts with her version of Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien, and was told by Amanda that she looked 'beautiful' while Simon told her she was a 'gutsy lady'.


No regrets: 80-year-old Janey Cutler sang Edith Piaf's Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien - in English


The night also wasn't meant to be for impressionist Paul Burling, who got a standing ovation after he took off Andy and Lou from Little Britain, Jeremy Clarkson, Graham Norton, Marjory Dawes, Billy Connolly, Chris Tarrant, David Jason, Uncle Albert, Simpson characters Homer and Marge, Mr Smithers and Crusty The Clown, as he sang his own version of the Proclaimers I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).

Boy band Connected were also left disappointed after peforming a cover of Westlife's What About Now, teenager singer Liam McNally who performed Danny Boy, and Harrogate accountant Christopher Stone, who sang Somewhere from West Side Story and was told by Piers to give up his day job.


I want that one: Impressionist Paul Burling started his act as Andy from Little Britain and ended taking off Crusty The Clown


R&B singer Usher performed live on the show and was greeted by screams from the audience as he launched into his new single OMG.

He said: 'It's a pleasure to be here, some incredible talent tonight.'

Also performing was Dizzee Rascal and comedian James Corden, who debuted their World Cup song Shout.

James said: 'We tried to book the wood cutter to perform with us. Been a great series and can't wait to see who wins.'


The professional acts: R&B star Usher and James Corden and Dizzee Rascal performed on the show












source :dailymail