Emma Amelia Pearl Czikai, a former contestant on Britain's Got Talent, is attempting to sue the programme's judge Simon Cowell for about £2.5m, over claims of stripping her of "self respect and dignity".

Czikai, who was eliminated from the show last May, claims that she was mocked by Cowell and his fellow judges Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan.

The 54-year old, who began a pre-trial review at the central London tribunal court, accused the judges of "exploitation, humiliation, degradation and barbarism." She has also brought a disability discrimination claim against the show's team.

The former nurse claims that her performance suffered as a result of cervical spine neuritis, which can cause head and shoulder pain and which affects her ability to hear her own singing voice in noisy environments such as the audition arena.

She added that she was seeking £300,000 for injured feelings, compensation of £1m and loss of earnings of £1.25m. She said that if she was awarded any money it would go to charity.

Earlier, Ofcom had rejected Czikai's complaint that she was unfairly treated on the programme.