Reality TV has thrown up some unlikely success stories but none more
extraordinary than Susan Boyle. The judges sniggered when a dowdy-looking
middle-aged woman stood in front of them in the 2008 Britain's Got Talent heats
in Glasgow and sharpened their wisecracks, clearly anticipating one of the
unintentionally bad acts that give the show its comedic element. But despite a
troubled background involving learning difficulties Boyle - whose singing had
largely been confined to her local catholic church - proved she did indeed have
an incredible talent, amazing everyone as she launc...