Do reality TV shows like X Factor and Britain's Got Talent exploit people?

Have your say on Britain's Got Talent, Big Brother, the X Factor and the rest...

A former X Factor star has said she was exploited by producers of the ITV show.

Niki Evans, who made the final 12 of the X Factor in 2008, says producers on Simon Cowell's show carefully managed the sob story about her father's death.

The reality TV star's accusations come in the wake of the debate about whether Cowell and producers of his other hit ITV show, Britain's Got Talent, failed to look after Susan Boyle, who was admitted to the Priory shortly after losing out in the final.

What do you think? Does reality TV exploit people?

Should Simon Cowell look after contestants on the X Factor and Britain's Got Talent or should the people who go on these shows be better prepared for the pressure?

Who's to blame?

Have your say on reality TV by commenting and voting in the poll below...