Susan Boyle in clinic after collapse

LONDON (AFP) – Scotland's Susan Boyle, who became a global star when a clip of her singing was viewed 100 million times on YouTube, has been rushed to a health clinic suffering from exhaustion, reports said.

The Sun newspaper said the 48-year-old spinster -- whose rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical Les Miserables brought her worldwide acclaim -- was taken to the Priory clinic in London on Sunday.

On Saturday night, Boyle came second in the "Britain's Got Talent" television competition that made her famous, despite being the favourite.

In the days leading up to the final, media reports suggested she was having trouble coping with the weight of expectations on her.

The television company behind the show on Sunday said Boyle had been advised to take time off after the result.

"Following Saturday night's show, Susan is exhausted and emotionally drained," talkbackThames said in a statement.

"She has been seen by her private GP (doctor) who supports her decision to take a few days out for rest and recovery. We offer her our ongoing support and wish her a speedy recovery."

Police confirmed that a woman had been voluntarily taken to a clinic Sunday after police were called to assess her under mental health legislation.

A spokesman for London's Scotland Yard police said: "Police were called at approximately 6pm (1700 GMT) to a central London hotel to doctors assessing a woman under the Mental Health Act.

"Police and ambulance attended. The woman was taken voluntarily by ambulance to a clinic. At the request of doctors, police accompanied the ambulance."

Boyle had been under huge pressure to win "Britain's Got Talent" on Saturday after her audition piece became a major hit on video-sharing website YouTube. However, after a public vote she lost out to a street dancing troupe.

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