London ? Now that it’s over, it’s fair to ask: Was “Britain’s Got Talent” worth it?

Susan Boyle, the most famous contestant, is hospitalized at the Priory Clinic in London with nervous exhaustion. Three children broke down on camera, leaving the stage in tears. Others were mocked by the judges and hooted by the fans. All in the name of reality TV.

Is it really a surprise that Boyle, an amateur singer with learning disabilities who lives alone with her cat, would have trouble competing live on national TV? Or that 10-year-old Hollie Steel would break down from the pressure? Or that 10-year-old Natalie Okri and 11-year-old Aidan Davis would burst into tears after being told they didn’t make the cut?

Chris Thompson, medical director of the 14 Priory hospitals, said reality TV show producers have a responsibility to fully inform participants that instant fame can bring instant scrutiny and unbearable pressure.

Other mental health professionals had warned late last week that the fragile Boyle, who suffered oxygen deprivation at birth, seemed ill-equipped to handle the pressure.

Judge Piers Morgan, Boyle’s trusted confidant, told NBC’s “Today” show Monday that “Britain’s Got Talent” was not to blame for her problems, although he admitted some thought was given to removing her from the show before the finals because of the pressure she faced.

He said he had no regrets about advising her to carry on despite the stress and the attacks of the British press.