BGT

BRAVE Amanda Holden takes to the Britain’s Got Talent red carpet wearing the top that almost saw her flash the show’s audience at auditions.

But an onlooker said the 54-year-old “was being much more careful this time round.”

4

4

4

Show judge Amanda — in a lop-sided strapless top — nearly exposed herself by lifting her left arm to wave at the crowd as she strutted on stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday.

After adjusting her clothes to preserve her modesty she sat down.

Then, gesturing to her boob, she admitted: “This keeps slipping out every time I raise my arms.”

Yesterday The Sun revealed a small production team were quickly put on “nipple watch” to ensure there were no surprise appearances during filming of the ITV ­talent contest.

Undeterred, Amanda wore the strapless top again.

Our observer reported: “She waved with her left hand, where her top had more coverage than on the right-hand side, and kept her other hand firmly in her pocket most of the time.

“Amanda didn’t want any wardrobe malfunctions again. She was probably already feeling the chill in blustery Blackpool.”

Also dressed for sunnier climes was head judge Simon Cowell in shades, and fellow panellist Alesha Dixon wearing sunglasses and a crop-top.

Only hosts Ant and Dec and new judge KSI — taking over from Bruno Tonioli — looked ready for Lancashire weather.

Auditions for the 19th series of BGT, due to air next year, continue in the seaside town until the end of this week.

4

Mark Wildblood, the founder of Hear Our Voice – the choir made up of people impacted by the Post Office scandal – says the initiative has been ‘therapeutic’ after a battle with depression.

Hear Our Voice, the choir made up of people affected by the Post Office scandal which placed seventh in the recent series of Britain’s Got Talent, are releasing a new charity single alongside band Will & The People.

The single, Falling Down, is a rendition of the song they performed in their audition for Britain’s Got Talent. And choir founder Mark Wildblood says the initiative has been ‘life changing’ for him, admitting the talent show stint has made a significant impact on his mental health.

“I personally have found it very therapeutic,” said Mark. “I was on antidepressants prescribed by my doctor for a long long time and I spoke to them very early this year and I said, ‘Look [the choir] is really starting to make me feel good and I wouldn’t mind trying to go without [the antidepressants].

“So, at the recommendation of doctors I was told it’s ok to give it a go and I haven’t been back on them since,” he says of the choir’s impact.

Continuing that it has given him ‘purpose’ following dark days, Mark shared, “It’s not difficult to get caught up in dwelling on all of the negatives. So, to be surrounded by the same people that you talk to about it every day and that are seeing the positives as well, I think we’ve done a really really positive thing and a lot of that is thanks to BGT.”

While Mark says the choir has meant he’s managed to let go of ‘anger’ he was holding onto against the post office, he confirms that the ‘concern’ remains. “My concern for the procedure is not eliminated. We still have to make sure that we get closure and closure can only come with compensation.”

Mark was a sub-postmaster at Upton Post Office before he was suspended from the role as one of the thousands of people impacted by the Post Office scandal. The scandal saw the wrongful prosecution of sub-postmasters and postmistresses by the Post Office, who accused them of theft, fraud, and false accounting due to faulty data from the Horizon IT system used by the company.

He founded the choir in May 2024, inviting others impacted by the scandal to take part and raise money for the cause, alongside awareness. As the former tour manager for Will and the People, Mark then enlisted lead singer Will Rendle to get involved as he fronted the act on Britain’s Got Talent.

And detailing how the choir has become a family dynamic, Mark said, “W e always say to each other that we have become family now. The choir is spread out throughout the country and so BGT has given us the opportunity to actually meet five times in a very short space of time and be together.”

Many of the victims are still awaiting compensation from the Post Office, with Mark admitting that despite the success of their campaigning and the recent TV series; Mr Bates vs The Post Office, there’s still a long way to go.

It comes as Simon Recaldin, a Post Office boss who has been backing compensation for the scandal victims, has left his position in the company. Simon is thought to have opted for voluntary redundancy, a move which comes amid the increased pressure on the company to pay victims. Previously, the government announced that those who have had convictions overturned are eligible for £600,000, with hundreds still waiting for the compensation.

“Scandals like these have a commonality where the bureaucracy of closure takes so long that many people pass away by the time that the situations are resolved – I just hope that we don’t get into that situation,” says Mark of those yet to be paid. “We’ve already lost a lot of people in the Post Office scandal and we can’t afford to lose more without getting a speed up, so I would say to those in power, please change the system. It’ll be better for everyone all round and cost a lot less money if they just do it now as it should be,” pleaded Mark.

With fellow choir member Maria Lockwood joking that the unit would be keen to front the Glastonbury stage this summer, Mark says he isn’t opposed to the idea. “We wouldn’t say no to anything where we had the opportunity to get together in person again and Glastonbury would be amazing, that would be phenomenal.”

Falling Down, the single by Hear Our Voice choir and Will and The People, is available on all platforms from tomorrow, 10 June. 100% of profits after costs from the single are going to the Horizon Scandal Fund and Lost Chances—two organisations supporting victims and their families.

BGT fans have slammed the show after they say the wrong act was given the Golden Buzzer.

Fans of Britain’s Got Talent think that the show is “fix” after a magician, who had a “set-up” performance was awarded KSI’s Golden Buzzer – and nine-year-old gymnast, Binita.

8

8

8

8

KSI was brought in as an extra judge on Saturday night for the semi-final alongside Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, and Amanda Holden.

He was given the power to press the infamous golden buzzer and send one act straight through to the show’s grand final.

At the start of the magic act, Harry Moulding claimed that he was “going to create a special moment of real magic for one person” in the audience.

The magic act was full of incredible tricks which involved pop star references and predictions before the live show.

His performance then ended with a lady being proposed to by her boyfriend, and KSI was so blown away that he pressed the Golden Buzzer.

But despite the judges being blown away by the performance, fans were quick to say it was a fix.

Fans took to X immediately, with one writing: “What the f*** do they expect him to do for the final now?? Biggest fix ever, magic my bloody a***.”

A second claimed: “Utterly rigged and the trick itself was too grand and ridiculous it shouldn’t even be called magic. I know exactly how he did it, it was rigged.”

And now fans have slammed the “biggest fix” and said that a different act deserved the Golden Buzzer over Harry.

Reacting to Harry getting the coveted Golden Buzzer over nine-year-old dancing sensation Binita, fans took to X to air their frustrations.

One person penned: “KSI gave a golden buzzer for this fake proposal while my little girl Binita was actually the star performer.”

Another said: “Binita was absolutely outstanding, unbelievable talent and only 9 years of age, simply incredible, wow. Definitely worthy of the golden buzzer, I hope she makes it to the final, she was sensational.”

“Binita should have had that golden buzzer,” fumed a third.

“Now BINITA deserved a golden buzzer!! Not that nonesense,” echoed a fourth.

Britain’s Got Talent’s biggest ‘fix’ rows

Britain’s Got Talent has been plagued with ‘fix’ rows over the years. How many of these do you remember?

Jasmine Elcock – 2016: Teenage singer Jasmine Elcock stunned the nation with her version of Cher’s Believe. But it then transpired she had already performed professionally in London’s West End. Jasmine, 14, admitted: “I’ve performed in Annie in the West End at about the age of nine or 10, but I really get nervous.”

IrShad Shaikh – 2017: BGT fans were left questioning the rule book when IrShad Shaikh auditioned. He got four red buzzers from the judges, which would usually mean an instant dismissal. Yet in a strange turn of events, they let him continue with his act…and put him through to the next round.

Colin Thackery – 2019: Elderly war veteran Colin won BGT in 2019, but there was an outcry over the final. He warbled his place to win with a version of We’ll Meet Again but fans were furious that escapologist Jonathan Goodwin didn’t even rank in the top three. Viewers felt Jonathan – who almost suffocated while being buried alive in a gravel pit – should have won.

Axel Blake – 2022: Comedian Axel Blake was given a Golden Buzzer in 2022 after making the judges laugh. But fans were fuming when they discovered Axel already had a show on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime. Despite this, Axel still went on to win the series.

Taryn Charles – 2024: Singer Taryn Charles is one of this year’s hopefuls lucky enough to receive the Golden Buzzer. Bruno Tonilio put her straight through to the semi-finals following her performance of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin, but it has now come to light that she is no stranger to TV. Viewers recognised Taryn from an episode of ITV1’s Starstruck, where she impersonated Whitney Houston for judges Olly Murs, Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight.

A fifth then wrote: “You can just tell the producers told KSI before the show to push the golden buzzer for the predictable magician act.

“Binita was the true star of the show and deserved the golden buzzer. Thank god the public voted her through.”

While a sixth said: “Little binita should have had that buzzer.”

And a seventh added: “And KSI golden buzzed a fake marriage proposal… 9 years old. Binita.”

Binita Chetry is just nine years of age and hails from Assam in India.

Showcasing her gymnastic skills on the hit talent show, Binita wowed the crowds during her audition has continued to do so throughout the competition.

Although she did not receive the last semi-final Golden Buzzer, she won the public vote, meaning she has sailed through to the grand finale.

Upon hearing the news of getting through to the final, Binita told hosts Ant and Dec how “thankful” she was.

8

8

8

8

The latest season of Britain’s Got Talent has triggered a surge of complaints from fans. But judge Bruno Tonioli has recently spoken against the critics in a defiant move.

Britain’s Got Talent recently attracted a series of complaints from viewers – but judge Bruno Tonioli has decided not to focus on the criticism and recommends critics “read a book.”

The final of the ITV programme airs on Saturday, May 31st – and judge Bruno Tonioli already knows who has stolen his heart. “We’ve had a variety of talent this year. The Blackouts are insane,” he says.

But it’s drag soprano Jasmine Rice who has his vote. He was so moved by her audition, he hit the Golden Buzzer. “That performance was absolutely incredible for me,” he says, “That was the most surprising, somebody that really rises to the occasion and exceeds all expectations.”

Jasmine, who spoke openly about the rejection she’s faced for performing in drag, struck a deep chord with Bruno, 69. “Being able to be calm and communicate a message without bitterness and with hope, determination – that’s very valid. I found those moments special.”

Still, BGT isn’t without its controversies. Auditions from stuntman Auzzy Blood and nudist Akira both drew Ofcom complaints earlier this year.

The semi-finals added more after Bao Cuong pulled hosts Ant & Dec on a motorbike using only his eyelids. But Bruno shrugs it off. “I don’t focus on the negative,” he says. “Social media? Forget it. ‘Life is too short,’ he adds, ‘Read a book!’”

He’s more concerned about the impact social media can have on younger generations. “If I had kids, I’d be petrified,” he says. “It’s an alternative universe. It can be fun, but we need strict guidelines, especially for children.”

READ MORE: Weight loss method backed by Dr Michael Mosley and loved by Davina McCall

Bruno doesn’t always see eye-to-eye with the other BGT judges – Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden – but he takes it in stride.

“Shows give you a range of opinions,” he says. “I may have a certain angle but I never said I am absolutely right. I only point things out. That’s why the judges are there. The decision is ultimately made by the public.”

Still, he and Simon go way back. “We’ve been friends for 40 years,” Bruno says, brushing off any on-air tension. “When you’re on-screen, you play a role,” Bruno says. “We’re both very laid-back people, actually. He’s very easy-going. But on TV, you become an extension of yourself.”

That goes for Amanda and Alesha, too. He’s particularly fond of Amanda, whom he’s known for years, but his bond with Alesha also goes beyond BGT.

The pair first met when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007. Back then, Bruno was a judge on the BBC One staple. Alesha eventually joined him on the panel.

“Alesha was one of our best winners. We have the biggest giggles,” Bruno says. “Though I probably exhaust her – I’m always distracting her!”

What keeps Bruno grounded is his own past – he’s stood in the shoes of every hopeful auditioning. “I have done what they do. I have done auditions and failed them,” he says. “But you learn from your failures when you take it as a way of understanding what you should do to improve.”

And he knows what it means to stand on the Royal Variety Performance stage – the prize waiting for this year’s winner plus £250,000 cash. “I’ve done it quite a few times over the years,” he says.

“Both as a choreographer and a performer.” He’s even had the chance to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla. “They’re both the most wonderful people,” Bruno says. “And she loves dancing. She has a really good sense of humour, there’s that twinkle in her eye that I find delicious. She’s cool!”

As the final looms, Bruno’s already feeling the heat – and the hilarity. This year’s top acts are a testament to BGT ’s chaotic charm: from LED dance crew The Blackouts to 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson.

Other acts in the final include soulful singer Vinnie McKee, ping pong dancing troupe Ping Pong Pang, comedian Joseph Charm and Maya Giotea – another Golden Buzzer pick from Bruno.

Bruno’s energy remains undimmed. He’d even love to explore acting – ideally as a villain. “I’d love to do dramas because it’s another part of me,” he says.

“I’d love to play a real baddie. I love Guy Ritchie’s works, they’re brilliant and edgy. But I’m not one of those people that call their agent 25 times a day. I’ve never even had a PR or a social media manager!”

Off-screen, Bruno enjoys a quiet life. “Every Saturday, I’m in my garden. I love gardening, and I cook!” he says. But this Saturday, it’s all eyes on the BGT stage and with the knockout finalists vying for the crown, anything could happen. But who will win the nation’s heart?

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Coronation Street fans saw the arrival of new character Molly Kilduff in tonight’s episode as the daughter of Mick and Lou – but it’s not the star’s first taste of stardom

It’s been a dramatic few weeks in Coronation Street and it doesn’t look like things are slowing down anytime soon. In tonight’s episode, fans will be introduced to Mick and Lou Michaelis’ daughters Joanie and Shanice Michaelis, played by Molly Kilduff. Although it may be the youngster’s first time onscreen, it’s not her first taste of stardom. In fact, her sister is a huge Britain’s Got Talent star.

In tonight’s episode, the daughters are seen for the first time, despite having been mentioned many times previously. Making their entrance, their mother Lou tells them they’re going away for a bit. However, Tim takes them to A&E after seeing a cut on Lou’s head.

Last week, spoilers revealed that Lou refuses to discuss her abusive relationship and flees, leaving Tim with her daughters. This carries on later in the week, as it’s been revealed the girls are still with Tim. But has something bad happened to Lou?

Last week, Molly’s sister Jade, who is part of BGT sign-language choir Sign Along With Us, took to Instagram to say how proud she was of her sister.

The star, who appeared on the ITV talent show in 2020, shared a selfie of herself and Molly smiling outside the Rovers, which she captioned: “Could not be prouder of you Molly Moo !! Such a beautiful, funny, confident, talented and above all kind little girl. Shining bright on those cobbles like the star you are.”

Fans showed their support to the new actress in the comments, with one writing: “Ohh she’s adorable. Well done little superstar!” Another echoed: “She’s a little superstar.”

The group left a mark on the BGT judges as they were given a Golden Buzzer by former judge, David Walliams. The group, comprised of 69 members, came second in the competition, narrowly losing out to comedic pianist and singer Jon Courtenay – the first Golden Buzzer act to win the series.

Jade was 18 at the time of entering, whereas her younger brother, Christian, who is also in the band, was just four years old. Jade had started the sign language class after teaching her younger brother who struggles with co-ordination due to his cerebral palsy.

Mick and Lou joined the soap earlier this year – but they won’t be staying long. In March, it was confirmed that the couple would be leaving the soap following the conclusion of a “major storyline” in Summer.

Breaking his silence on his exit so soon, Joe Layton, who plays Mick said: “I knew about it from when the casting came through from my agent, so even for the prep for the tape you take a dive into the psychology of him, how you inhabit these kind of head spaces. I think for me, the opportunity to step into Corrie for six months with a start and a finish point is a real gift.”

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X.

* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat ,Instagram ,Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads .