Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas says more must be done to support children propelled into instant fame by reality TV.

In the wake of the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who fell to his death from the third floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires last month aged 31, she says TV shows need to protect young stars from the pressure of being in the public spotlight.

Sydnie, 29, who was working on the reception desk for a gym near her home in Gravesend, Kent, when she won BGT, said: “I think something has to put in place to protect children, because obviously you need them for TV and film.

“I don’t think there should be a complete ban on children appearing on TV, but there should be more support and more protection so they can cope with it.”

She added: “I think everyone should have the chance to grow up in peace, whether career they choose.

“I’m really blessed good things in my career didn’t start happening until now, because I had all that time to make my mistakes and do things in private.

“It’s too much pressure for people doing this in public, whether they’re behaving well or not. It’s a judgement that impacts you.”