I used to work on BGT. The producers used to interview the contestants like this;
P: ‘So what inspires you to sing?’
C: ‘Um, I just really love it and-
P: ‘Did your Nan used to love hearing you sing?’
C: ‘I think so when I was little but she died a few-
P: ‘Oh my god no, that’s so sad, she died before she saw you achieve your dreams! That’s so awful. So you sing for her really don’t you?’
And things like ‘are your parents divorced?’ ‘Did you have a childhood illness?’ ‘Have you had a break-up?’ ‘Did you enjoy school?’
They ask it all. They’ll wheedle something out even if it’s only a dead hamster.