The Lady in Red: Kate Middleton is all smiles as she returns to the place where fairytale romance with Prince William began

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Happy returns: Couple went back to St Andrews two months before the Royal Wedding


After their eyes first met at St Andrews University almost a decade ago, Prince William and Kate returned to where their fairytale romance began today.

The couple braved the blustery Scottish weather which will be familiar to them from their student days as they launched the university's 600th anniversary celebrations.

Miss Middleton was dressed in a red suit with a black velvet belt and black leather gloves while William was wearing a dark blue suit.

Well-wishers waited patiently against crash barriers in the rain this morning as they tried to get the best view of the Royal couple.

Today the university announced they are creating a scholarship in their honour as a wedding gift which they were presenting to the couple.

The campus had been abuzz since the trip was announced last week.
The 28-year-old Prince and his 29-year-old fiancee, who became engaged in October while on holiday in Kenya, emerged from their Range Rover to be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, Margaret Dean.


Radiant: Kate was wearing a dazzling red outfit while William was in a blue suit as they were led round the university by Sir Menzies Campbell


It was the first time the Prince had returned to the university since his graduation six years ago and he spoke movingly during a his short speech about the four years he spent there.

Launching the anniversary celebrations from the university's quadrangle, the ancient heart of the institution where 16th century buildings surround a small grass-covered square, he addressed 600 students and staff who had won their seats by ballot.

As the Prince and Miss Middleton arrived, their way was led by six mace bearers and he was introduced by former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell, the university's Chancellor.

Events marking the milestone will be spread over three years as teaching began at the institution in 1410, chartered status was granted a year later and the university was formally constituted by a series of papal bulls issued by Pope Benedict XIII in 1413.


Knowing glance: Royal couple gaze at each other as they listen to speeches at their university


William said: 'This is a very special moment for Catherine and me, it feels like coming home.

'Despite being one of Europe's leading research institutions, the third-oldest university in the English speaking world, and of course far and away the best university in the world, St Andrews still has that uncanny knack of feeling like home and so it must have done for generations of undergraduates before us.'

Dr John Walden, a senior lecturer in geography who taught the Prince said: 'It's just a fabulous coup for the university to have them back here to promote the 600th anniversary celebrations.'

Recalling William's time as a student, he said: 'He was fabulous. He made life very easy for us. He tried as hard as he could to experience a normal student programme.

'He did a very good job of that. I'm amazed that he managed to stay focused with all the obvious attention. He managed to stay focused for four years and keep his head down and get some work done.'


Relaxed: Kate Middleton flashed a wide smile as she returned to the 600-year-old university today


The special scholarship created in the name of William and Kate has been given as a wedding gift.

It will have a value of up to £70,000 to meet the costs of tuition, if payable, accommodation and living expenses for a four-year undergraduate degree in science, arts, medicine or divinity.

Applicants of all nationalities will be able to apply for the award which will be given annually to a student who would otherwise have been unable to attend St Andrews.

Professor Louise Richardson, the university's principal and vice-chancellor, said: 'This will be the first scholarship of its kind at St Andrews and a reflection of this university's commitment to ensure that we find, attract and support the most gifted students from anywhere in the world.

'It will guarantee that a high quality Scottish higher education can be available to any citizen of the world, that a lack of means need not be a barrier to study, and that bright students who might otherwise have been unable to go to university can fulfil their potential.’

William graduated with a 2:1 in geography from St Andrews in 2005 and Kate got the same classification in history of art.

The Prince and his fiancee began dating while sharing a house in the picturesque seaside town in Fife, and almost 10 years later will wed at Westminster Abbey on April 29 as the world watches.


Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton sit with the Lord Lieutenant of the University, Menzies Campbell, during their visit


Hundreds of well-wishers gathered by the steel barriers hoping to catch a glimpse of William and Kate


The official visit was William's first in his role as patron of the 600th Anniversary Appeal, which will have a large focus on generating new funds for scholarships.

Joyce Robertson, 60, a retired nurse, who was waiting patiently with a friend, said: 'I've come to see William and Kate because I love the royal family - I think they will be a wonderful asset to the monarchy.'

Standing a few feet away was postgraduate student Jessica Volz, 24, who is studying for a Phd in English at St Andrews University.


Graduation: Kate Middleton and Prince William as they collected their degrees in June 2005


Royal return: The couple shared a house together as undergraduates before they graduated in June 2005


Miss Volz, from Denver in Colorado, the U.S., said: 'I just live right down the street so its very convenient but I don't mind getting wet.

'I've always been interested in the British history and right now's an interesting time for the monarchy.

'I really do admire William and Kate, especially their strong commitment to supporting charity.'

Yesterday Kate Middleton stepped out on her first official engagement - the launch of a humble inflatable lifeboat in Anglesey.

The bride-to-be, with a dazzling smile, quickly charmed the crowd of more than 1,000 people and bent to speak to the youngest, drawing flattering comparisons with Princess Diana.

As well as her restyled coat, it was Miss Middleton's striking velvet fascinator - with a spray of pheasant feathers - which drew the attention of onlookers yesterday.

It was designed for the 29-year-old by Vivien Sheriff Millinery, a small company based in rural Wiltshire which makes all of its hats by hand.


All smiles: Kate waves to the crowd as the Royal couple arrive at Trearddur Bay, Anglesey


William and Kate arrive at St Andrews



source: dailymail

Princess ahoy! The day Kate Middleton was given her royal launch

By PAUL HARRIS


Smiling and waving for the crowds, Kate Middleton performed adeptly on her first official appearance


IT wasn’t exactly an event on the scale of a royal wedding, and as walkabouts go, probably not too testing either.

Even the boat she launched was a humble inflatable – hardly the Ark Royal.

But for a certain Miss Catherine Middleton, yesterday was a crucially important milestone in the life of a princess in waiting.

With a dazzling smile (and a craftily cut-down herringbone overcoat) she launched herself on the royal stage with the kind of confidence few might have expected from someone so new to public duty.

Why, she even looked as if she was enjoying it.


Royal role: Kate Middleton, right, greets children as Princess Diana did. Left the Princess of Wales meets Bosnian children in 1997


This was Kate’s first official public engagement alongside Prince William and their formal debut in Anglesey, where they will make their home.

And after naming a lifeboat that she christened with champagne, the Prince, perhaps appropriately, threw her in at the metaphorical deep end.

But within seconds, she appeared to have charmed a crowd of more than 1,000 people, who had been waiting hours in a cold and blustery wind for a glimpse of the couple – and, in particular, for a peek at the bride-to-be.


Support from the Prince: Kate performed admirably on her first Royal appointment


Praise: Kate Middleton looked every inch a Royal as Prince William addressed the crowd at the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station


THE £16,000 DINGHY LAUNCHED BY KATE AND WILLS
The 25ft-long Hereford Endeavour launched by Kate and Wills costs £160,000 and is one of the RNLI’s most advanced craft, with a tough carbon-fibre hull and capable of 35 knots – 40 mph.

Carrying four crew and with room for 20 survivors, it has special engines that work even after a capsize.


Stunning: Kate's chocolate-brown bespoke headpiece was handcrafted by Salisbury-based Vivien Sheriff. Designed this year, it is decorated with feathers and military button


Big smile: 2,000 people turned up for the launch of the lifeboat and to see the Royal couple


Blustery: Kate Middleton had to brave strong winds and grey skies as she visited the North Wales RNLI base but, right, she sang the Welsh national anthem perfectly


Kate prepares to douse the bow of the new Hereford Endeavour with champagne as William watches on


Prince William applauds as Kate Middleton pours champagne over the new lifeboat. The bottle was not smashed, as is tradition, because the vessel is inflatable


Regal: Kate Middleton looked elegant on her first official visit


A young girl is held back by her mother as Prince William and Kate Middleton greet the crowds




source: dailymail

Prince William and Kate Middleton visit lifeboat station for first joint Royal engagement

By Daily Mail Reporter



Smiling and waving for the crowds, Kate Middleton performed adeptly on her first official appearance


Kate Middleton embarked on her first official engagement with Prince William today giving her a preview of what life will be like after the Royal Wedding.

The couple braved the blustery winds and grey skies on the Welsh coast to visit an RNLI lifeboat station in Anglesey close to where the Prince is based as a search and rescue pilot.

Miss Middleton was wearing a Vivien Sheriff headpiece with a three-quarter length beige coat, with brown trimmings and suede boots.


And probably taking the blustery dockside conditions into account, she wore her hair tied up - a style she has rarely been photographed wearing.

Her chocolate-brown bespoke headpiece was handcrafted by Salisbury-based Vivien Sheriff. Designed this year, it is decorated with feathers and military buttons.

A Clarence House spokeswoman said Miss Middleton had worn the coat before, but could not give any further details about its origins or the rest of her outfit.

The Royal bride-to-be emerged laughing and smiling as she poured champagne over a lifeboat.

Crowds of people had turned up early at the pretty dockside hoping to catch a glimpse of the pair together in public for first time. They waved to well-wishers as they stepped out of a Land Rover at the base.

As they took their place on the podium as they arrived they exchanged glances and smiled at each other before singing both the English and Welsh national anthems.

Onlookers said Kate, 29, appeared to have learnt all the words of the Welsh national anthem in advance of the visit as she sang it faultlessly.

Mingling with dignitaries today and accepting gifts and cards from the assembled Union flag-waving crowd, she showed a lightness of touch and winning approachability.


Royal role: Kate Middleton, right, greets children as Princess Diana did. Left the Princess of Wales meets Bosnian children in 1997


Support from the Prince: Kate performed admirably on her first Royal appointment


Praise: Kate Middleton looked every inch a Royal as Prince William addressed the crowd at the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station


Stunning: Kate's chocolate-brown bespoke headpiece was handcrafted by Salisbury-based Vivien Sheriff. Designed this year, it is decorated with feathers and military button


Big smile: 2,000 people turned up for the launch of the lifeboat and to see the Royal couple


In his address to the 2,000-strong crowd Prince William paid tribute to rescuers working in Christchurch, New Zealand to clear up following the powerful earthquake.

Her helicopter pilot partner William, stationed at the Anglesey RAF base, thanked the volunteer search and rescue teams for their continued life-saving work.

After meeting dignitaries at the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station, Miss Middleton poured the bottle of bubbly over the new Hereford Endeavour.

A palace spokesman said today was the couple's first official engagement where Miss Middleton had been invited as a guest of honour.

He said: 'They (Prince William and Miss Middleton) asked for their first joint engagement to be in Anglesey.


Blustery: Kate Middleton had to brave strong winds and grey skies as she visited the North Wales RNLI base but, right, she sang the Welsh national anthem perfectly


Kate prepares to douse the bow of the new Hereford Endeavour with champagne as William watches on


Prince William applauds as Kate Middleton pours champagne over the new lifeboat. The bottle was not smashed, as is tradition, because the vessel is inflatable


Regal: Kate Middleton looked elegant on her first official visit


Elegant figure: Miss Middleton was wearing a Vivien Sheriff headpiece with a three-quarter length a three-quarter length beige coat, with brown trimmings and suede boots


'Then the lifeboat station approached us about the new lifeboat and, given that Prince William is a search and rescue pilot and at some point is very likely to be working with crew, it seemed appropriate.'

Mrs Critchley, 63, from Warrington, Cheshire, said: 'They are a lovely couple. He is a great lad and she is a beautiful girl.'

After Prince William's address the couple met and greeted members of the public as she was eased into life as a member of the Royal family.

Huw Morgan Daniel, Lord Lieutenant for Gwynedd, received the pair and presented Mrs Huw Morgan Daniel, chairman of the Isle of Anglesey County Council Selwyn Williams and Judge Graham Hume Jones, president of Holyhead and Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station to them.

Before the event, Lisa Taylor, 42, from Valley, said: 'I think it's fantastic. The work the RNLI do around here is vital. To have such high-profile guests is great for them.

'It's going to be wonderful to see William and Kate. Really exciting.'
Jean and Keith Critchley took their three-year-old grandson, Samuel, to the event.


A young girl is held back by her mother as Prince William and Kate Middleton greet the crowds


Royal life: Visit to Anglesey, close to where they will live as a married couple, was Kate's first official engagement


The couple, who have a holiday home on Anglesey, said it would be good for the area.
Mary Shaw, 71, from Trearddur Bay, agreed.

'They are a lovely couple. They will get an excellent reception.'

Claire James, from Chester, was accompanied by her three children - Charlie, 10, Beau, eight, and seven-year-old Sam.

She said: 'I am very excited. My daughter wants to ask if they want a spare bridesmaid - she will step in!'

The couple got engaged last October while on holiday in Kenya.

The 28-year-old Prince proposed with his mother Diana's diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

Almost 2,000 guests have been invited to their wedding. The congregation is expected to feature celebrities, leading politicians, heads of state and royalty from across the world.

Although the names of guests have not been officially released, some of those on the list have confirmed they will be attending.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has received an invitation, as has John Haley, the landlord of the Old Boot Inn, Miss Middleton's favourite country pub close to her family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

After the service, the newlyweds will return to Buckingham Palace in a carriage along Parliament Square, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade and The Mall.

The Queen will host a reception at the palace, followed by a private dinner and dancing in the evening.


And here's someone who's been doing it for decades: The Queen receives a garland of flowers from daughters of serving Gurkha servicemen during her visit to Invicta Park Barracks, in Maidstone, Kent


The marriage will be marked with an official public holiday across the UK.

William is currently based at RAF Valley, Anglesey, in his role as a full-time RAF search and rescue pilot.



Source:dailymail

Pride of Wales: Catherine Zeta-Jones beams as Prince Charles honours her with CBE

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Beaming with pride: Catherine Zeta-Jones was all smiles as she received her CBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham palace earlier today


And following Michael’s recent battle with cancer he was looking the picture of health, despite a bloodshot eye, as he escorted his family to the royal palace.

She and her husband have been dubbed ‘Hollywood royalty’ but earlier today Catherine Zeta-Jones met a real member of the Royal family as she picked up a CBE.

The Hollywood actress and her husband Michael Douglas, 66, arrived at Buckingham palace with their children Dylan and Carys for the ceremony.

Catherine, 41, was given the award for services to the film industry and to charity and was presented with the honour by Prince Charles.

Catherine was looking elegant in a taupe suit jacket and dress with a full hat complete with feathers perched on top of her head.

Michael was also suited and booted and you would never had guessed that he has been battling throat cancer.


Nice chat: Catherine and the Prince enjoyed a chat and shook hands as she received her honour


The family were looking picture perfect as they posed together, with eight-year-old daughter Carys and 11-year-old son Dylan also looking smart for the occasion.

The Swansea-born actress, who received an Oscar for her role as Velma Kelly in the 2002 film Chicago, received her award from the Prince of Wales during which they had a quick chat.

She also shook his hand and look delighted to have received the honour.


Happy family: Catherine was joined by husband Michael and her children at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace


When the announcement of the award was made last summer she said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled with this honour. As a British subject, I feel incredibly proud, at the same time it is overwhelming and humbling.’

She added: ‘And my mum and dad are delighted beyond belief.’

The actress has appeared in stage productions including Annie and Bugsy Malone as a child before moving to London and winning parts in West End shows.

She rose to fame after playing fresh-faced Mariette Larkin in ITV's popular adaptation of HE Bates's The Darling Buds Of May in 1991/93.


Proud couple: Michael Douglas was looking fresh-faced, despite a bloodshot eye as he escorted his wife to the Palace


The actress gained TV and film roles in America, making her breakthrough in Hollywood as Elena Montero in 1998's The Mask Of Zorro.

Jones went on to star in drama Traffic in 2000 alongside Michael Douglas, and the couple married in November that year.

Burt Kwouk, known for his roles in the Pink Panther films during more than half a century on screen, received an OBE in the Buckingham Palace ceremony .

The 80-year-old actor, whose extensive list of credits includes three James Bond films, has latterly become a familiar face in Last of the Summer Wine.

Earlier this month Michael and Catherine were spotted out at New York Fashion week attending the Michael Kors show.

The pair arrived at the city's Lincoln Center and he looked better than he has in years.

The pair were part of a host of A-list guests in the front row, where they joined Bette Midler, Emma Roberts, Anjelica Houston, Renee Russo and Debra Messing, as well as Vogue editor Anna Wintour.


source: dailymail

Caught on camera, the horrifying moment an two-ton elephant charged and nearly killed his terrified keeper

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By Mail Foreign Service

Deadly: A CCTV image shows Louie the elephant charging his trainer, Don Redfox, who is already injured on the ground. Mr Redfox barely escaped with his life


This is the terrifying moment an elephant charged its keeper.

Security video shows the trainer, Don Redfox, desperately trying to protect himself as Louie the elephant - who weighs two tons - pinned him in a corner, his tusks narrowly missing the man's head and chest.

The elephant then backs away as Mr Redfox stumbles out.

He has been hospitalized with life-threatening injuries since the attack three weeks ago at an Ohio zoo.

Doctors have upgraded his condition and expect him to recover from two punctured lungs and several fractured ribs.

Anne Baker, the zoo's director, said it's not clear why Louie, turned on the keeper.

The elephant and Mr Redfox had been together nearly every day since the animal's birth seven years ago.

It looks as if Louie was startled and then started play-fighting, as elephants do in the wild, Ms Baker said.

Mr Redfox makes it a habit to talk to the animals before he approaches so he doesn't surprise them, Ms Baker said.

She thinks he didn't do it this time because he didn't know Louie was around the corner when he walked into the enclosure carrying a bag of carrots.

'Neither expected the other to be there,' Ms Baker said.


Escape: A wounded Mr Redfox stumbles towards safety as Louie suddenly backs off


They both backed away. Louie flared his ears and moved toward the keeper, pushing toward Mr Redfox before the keeper stepped safely behind a gate and closed it.

But then Mr Redfox returned and tried to move the elephant away with a pole with a hook on the end. That's when the elephant charged, pinning him in the corner and knocking him to his knees.

Louie backed up, dropped to his knees, and then charged again at Mr Redfox, who curled up and tried to shield himself.

After that, the elephant backed away again and Mr Redfox stumbled to safety.
Ms Baker said the elephant could have killed Redfox at any time.

Since he did not, she and another elephant expert who reviewed the video think that Louie was play-fighting.

'The problem is Louie weighs over 4,000 pounds,' she said - about two tons.

Zoo officials have not been able to talk with Mr Redfox, who faces a long recovery, according to his doctors.

Mr Redfox and his family initially fought the video's release - but as the incident made its way into the media, they changed their minds, wanting to show that the animal wasn't mistreated.

The family said it continues to believe that 'releasing the security tape does nothing more than provide an opportunity to sensationalize a tragic accident'.
See the video here

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The cow wash: How an automatic brushing machine can improve milk production

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Udderly amazing: A cow closes its eyes and enjoys the brushing sensation created by the new machine


Looking your best can sometimes be hard work. But for this cow, it would appear that having a brush-up is one of life's pleasures.

The animal is enjoying a spell in the cow wash, which, according to its designers DeLaval, is welcome news for farmers as well.

The cow wash boosts milk production by improving the animal's blood circulation and stopping the spread of disease, says the company.

The company has already sold 30,000 cow washes in its native Sweden, and is now bringing the product to the UK.

A spokesman said the cows enjoy the sensation of being brushed and it can boost milk production by 3.5per cent.

He said: 'The swinging cow brush is a self-grooming device that keeps cows happier, healthier and more productive.

'The brush starts to rotate on contact at an animal-friendly speed. It swings freely in all directions, smoothly up, over and alongside the cow.


Moo-ving past: A cow walks forward as the machine rotates, not only cleaning the animal but improving its health as well by improving blood circulation


'The bristles have the right length and hardness to stimulate the blood circulation whilst helping the cow to keep clean and calm.

'It is very popular among dairy farmers. Cows using the swinging cow brush are cleaner, calmer and therefore more balanced.'

A study conducted by scientists in the USA found the brush resulted in better animal health due to an increase in blood circulation.

It also concluded that cows using the machine were 34 per cent less likely to suffer from clinical mastitis - a condition which results in milk abnormalities.

The research team also reported increased milk production of up 3.5 per cent for cows in a pen using the swinging cow brush.
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Locked-up Lindsay Lohan gets a visit from her mother and sister

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Family visit: Dina and Ali Lohan visit the Lynwood jail in California today


Lindsay Lohan's closest family members today visited the Lynwood jail where the Mean Girls actress is being held behind bars.

Her mother Dina, 47, and sister Ali, 16, stayed for just over an hour, but it's unclear if they were actually able to see the actress, who is spending 23 hours a day in her cell.

Visitation is normally reserved for weekends, although prison wardens at the California women's prison can make exceptions.

The 24-year-old is said to have requested her family take her a copy of Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea to help keep her occupied.


Emotional: It's unclear if the pair got to see Lindsay as visitation is usually reserved for weekends


She is two days into an what was ordered to be a 90-jail term for violating her probation, however she is expected to serve just 14 days.

The jail went into lockdown mode for an hour on Tuesday when the actress arrived, with prisoners confined to their cells. She was strip-searched and 'cavity searched' before changing into an orange prison jumpsuit.


Mug shot: This picture was taken just moments before she was put behind bars


She then posed for her prison mugshot, appearing to pout and possibly smirk for the camera. Her booking sheet at the prison says she weighed 8st 6lb and is 5ft 6in tall. It also says she has blonde hair but, strangely, black eyes.

After having a photo taken, she was led to her 12ft x 8ft cell, which is next to Alexis Neiers, who was convicted as part of the Bling Ring burglaries and is serving time for burglary at Orlando Bloom's house.

They are being housed in the 2,200-bed facility's special needs unit, where Lohan will live in isolation for her own safety and be confined to her cell 23 hours a day.

The actress spent about 84 minutes there in 2007 for a drunken driving offence, reduced from her already trimmed day-long sentence because of the overpopulation issue.


Behind bars: Lindsay is expected to serve just 14 of her 90-day jail sentence

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

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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

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