With Big Brother celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the show which marked the beginning of reality television is back, writes Rebecca Lawrence.

But as Susan Boyle’s breakdown after Britain’s Got Talent proved, there are dangers of thrusting yourself suddenly into the limelight.

As for the Big Brother contestants, they will not know until they are booted out of the house how the public views them. Suddenly they will find themselves faced with all sorts of criticisms, or even praise, for the way they behaved and that can be very difficult to deal with.

Programme makers must protect people who put themselves forward.

I admire Boyle for having the guts to continue with the Britain’s Got Talent final despite rumours she would quit in the last week. But I am glad that dance group Diversity pulled off a victory over Boyle – who was expected to win.

I’m not convinced Boyle could have coped with any more fame, the tabloid headlines and the overseas fascination. And I’m not convinced she could have dealt with the pressure of performing for Queen Elizabeth II in the Royal Variety Show.

But Diversity, who range in age from 12 to 25 years old, have a future. They are young, confident and also offer something different.

Even they still need to watch out for the dangers of fame and the pressure to perform, but they have each other for support.

On television, you are under 360-degree scrutiny and people putting themselves forward on reality television shows must be prepared.

And for some it will always prove too much.

In just eight weeks, Boyle went from a quiet life as a church volunteer in a small town in Scotland, to international fame. After the show finished, she had to be taken to The Priory clinic for treatment and support.

As for 10-year-old Hollie Steel, the pressure also proved too much. It made you cringe watching her freeze on stage during the semi-final. But at least she showed herself to be the child she is.

There have been complaints that children are too young to compete in reality television shows, but it seems unfair to have a blanket ban. As with everything, some children will be able to cope with the pressure better than others, and it’s up to the adults who look after them to make that decision.

For the Big Brother contestants, they have made the decision to put themselves on show in a goldfish bowl.

Let’s hope they realise what they will have to deal with when they come out – whether it’s full-blown fame or even worse, becoming like the contestants who, even 10 years later, are still playing on the fact they were once on Big Brother.