It was the moment Hollie Steel, 10, had been waiting for since making it to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.

She appeared steady and in control as she belted out a rendition of Edelweiss, but halfway through her performance in 2009, the kid experienced a panic attack and fell into tears on live television.

Hollie had a big panic attack while singing in the semi-finals of the program in 2009. Credit: ITV.

Despite the fact that judge Amanda Holden and broadcasters Ant and Dec appeared on stage to soothe her, Hollie was devastated because she thought she had let down everyone who had believed in her.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Hollie, now 24, explains, “I have this thing where I swallow when I’m frightened, so I began doing that, and then I couldn’t stop it.

“And obviously, I didn’t have the ability to regain control of the panic attack.”

“I was thinking, ‘Oh crap, it’s happened again. Keep going and singing. Oh no, Simon [Cowell] seems dissatisfied. Keep going. Smile.’

“I was thinking, ‘I need to keep going,’ and then it was like, ‘I need to give up.'” I need to start anew.

“It was quite intimidating because the auditions were pre-recorded, and then you went into the live presentations. Before the live concerts, I was instantly famous. So that was a completely different ballgame.”

It threw the live program into disarray, as show boss Simon promised to make time for the distressed hopeful to perform again—something that had never been done previously.

“I just thought, ‘I need to sing that song again.'” I was relieved when Simon stated that. If Simon hadn’t said they’d find the time, I’m not sure I’d be singing as much as I am today.

Hollie feels the strain accumulated and became too much. Credit: ITV.

“I’m glad I had that opportunity to sing again and to go to the final.”

To cope with the horrible experience, the Lancashire-born singer, who now works as a performer, had to undergo treatment.

However, she claims that the event on Britain’s Got Talent haunts her every time she comes on stage.

When I’m on stage, I occasionally recall the moment when I was on TV and about to have a panic attack.

Hollie Steel

She explains, “I know I have a lot of trauma from 14 years ago, which is crazy to think about.” When I’m on stage, I occasionally recall the moment when I was on TV and about to have a panic attack.

“During therapy and counseling, I often remind clients to breathe and relax. This is something you like doing. Take a moment to relax; you’re fine.

“I really had to delve deep to accept the panic attacks for what they are and just keep going through it all.”

Hollie’s frightening experience ignited a nationwide discussion over whether children should be permitted to apply for talent contests.

Even the late Bruce Forsyth weighed in, saying, “To put little children through that kind of ordeal, I think that is wrong.”

Although Hollie disagreed with his comments at the time, she now feels that production teams should provide more help to youngsters participating in talent events.

She recalls, “I was a kid when Bruce first said that, and I thought no kids should be on the show because I had so much fun, and it gave me so many opportunities.”

I believe there should be a lot more restrictions concerning children on television shows. I have supportive parents, but in certain circumstances, parents may be pressuring their children.

“But, thinking back, I agree with Bruce because I believe there should be more restrictions concerning children on TV shows.

“I had relatively supportive parents, but in other circumstances, parents may be pressuring their children.

“I simply believe there’s too much pressure on kids, not just on live concerts, but also on TV shows like Dance Moms.

“You see the kids, and they’ve had a lot of trauma. Even from YouTube households, where children are exploited for views and money.

“There needs to be a better way of supporting those kids because it does affect you mentally as you grow.”

While Hollie maintains she did not receive adequate mental health help, she thinks that the show’s younger performers are now receiving better care.

“Six months after the show, I had a manager—I was signed to Syco, Simon Cowell’s label,” recounts the singer.

“For months, I was only permitted to do what they told me to do.

“However, there was no emotional support. Looking back, there wasn’t much discourse about mental health 14 years ago, so they probably assumed they didn’t need to help us.

“I don’t know what the process is now, but I know back then, there was no support.”

Despite the semi-final controversy, Hollie describes her time in the competition as “the biggest flex” of her life.

Recalling how her audition came about, she says, “I had been a fan of the show since it first aired—my brother auditioned because he is also a performer.” I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

“It was precisely as I envisioned. Seeing everyone, including the producers, was like being on television. It was quite cool.”

Holly claims that during her audition, she was surprised by one particularly unpleasant aspect of the procedure.

“The individuals who preceded me were engaged in certain actions, and evidently, the judges disapproved, prompting them to press the buzzers,” she explains.

“They were really loud. I went backstage, and Ant and Dec were trying to talk to me, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t even focus.’. I was terrified that they would buzz me.”

Her audition, however, reduced then-Judge Kelly Brook to tears.

Hollie’s first audition was televised, and she became a global phenomenon overnight.

She recalls, “I had newspapers camped outside my house.” And then I didn’t attend school for the remainder of the year, which was unusual for me.

“I didn’t spend much time with my friends because I was in London for fittings and TV appearances.” That was a lot.

The focus was on me, which I thought was great at the time, but now that I think about it, it caused all the anxiety and was probably a big part of my panic attack. It all led up to that moment.”

Although Hollie does not feel her reputation has hampered her dating life, she recalls a period when she believed an ex-boyfriend was in the relationship due to her celebrity status.

She explains, “As a youngster, it was more challenging to find individuals that appreciated me for who I am.

“I recall one of my lovers, and I believe he was with me because of my name. He always wanted to do YouTube videos with me.

“But as I get older, fewer people remember me from Britain’s Got Talent. And now I have my partner, who is fantastic and gifted in his own right.”

Hollie is still known by the show’s thousands of fans, which she acknowledges may be pretty humiliating.

“A lot of people tell me my face hasn’t changed at all,” she says, laughing.

“I’ll be strolling down the street or shopping, and someone will ask, ‘Are you the girl from Britain’s Got Talent?'” It just becomes embarrassing.”

Hollie has had an amazing career, having published three albums and performing with the Royal Caribbean as Frenchy in a theatrical adaptation of Grease.

She continues to audition for programs and acknowledges that her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent has led to some favorable treatment.

Hollie says, “I actually despise it when it happens.” I’ve always yearned for a fresh start.

“But they’ve always had preconceived notions about who I should be, or perhaps they expect something from me.

“This is why I enjoy musical theater so much: it allows me to showcase my skills. It’s not really about my name.”

Hollie tells other young aspirants attending talent shows to stay grounded and keep their friends near.

“Don’t get swept up in everything,” she says. “I would advise parents to shield their children by not allowing them to watch television, read publications, or read anything about themselves while keeping it close to the family.

“Keep it tight-knit and don’t let anyone into your family life, since others will want to do so from everywhere.

“Try to keep the joy as best as possible and maintain that routine they had before they went on the show.”

A spokesperson for Britain’s Got Talent told The Sun that “the duty of care for our contestants is of the utmost importance to us.”

“We take the well-being of everyone involved in our programs very seriously, and we have comprehensive and robust measures in place to ensure everyone feels supported.”

“These measures are under constant review and are adaptable to reflect the unique requirements for each series.”