It’s okay to be a convicted criminal on NZ Idol but not if you’re expecting a baby. A contestant asked to leave the New Zealand franchise of the talent quest show for being pregnant was once sentenced to three years jail for aggravated burglary and assault, a newspaper reported.Producers said the final-18 contestant, known as Georgina, would stand down to protect the health of herself and her unborn child. "The decision was not taken lightly but the producers and the network feel that it is the responsible thing to do," a statement from broadcaster Television New Zealand (TVNZ) and producers South Pacific Pictures said."NZ Idol can be an intense experience and we do not wish to cause undue stress to Georgina and her unborn child." An obstetrician said pregnant woman frequently experienced stress without their babies being harmed. "The singing itself and the dancing around associated with NZ Idol shouldn’t cause any problems in pregnancy," Dr Alec Ekeroma told the paper.TVNZ and the producers had known about the criminal convictions of Georgina, whose real name is Horiana Patea, the paper reported. "Everyone gets a second chance," a TVNZ spokesman said.
AAP
