A spokeswoman for Mencap praised Susan Boyle and said she was right to enter ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Ciara Evans also rubbished claims that reality TV shows should ban people with learning disabilities.

Evans told The Sun: “It’s been great to see Susan Boyle get so far. You rarely see people with a learning disability in the media.

“Some people have suggested that people who have a learning disability should be stopped from going on Britain’s Got Talent.

“This would mean denying 1.5 million Brits the chance to take part. This makes no sense and is discriminatory.”

She added: “Shows like Britain’s Got Talent are great because they are accessible for everyone. Susan has the potential to be a superstar – she just needs the right support to get there.”