Professional pickpocket Lee Thompson left Amanda Holden open-mouthed when he admitted his real age on stage
Samantha King Content Editor
22:15, 18 Apr 2026
The judging panel couldn’t believe how old he actually was(Image: ITV)
A skilled pickpocket who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent tonight (April 18) left the judging panel gobsmacked within moments of stepping onto the stage.
Lee Thompson, from Birmingham, delivered a slick routine in which he repeatedly lifted Ant and Dec’s phones, glasses and room keys without them having the faintest idea.
He was also shown secretly planting wristwatches in the bags and pockets of audience members after posing as a security guard in a pre-recorded segment — and even managed to pull one over on the judging panel backstage, Simon Cowell included.
Yet it wasn’t his nimble fingers that first left the panel speechless — it was his age. Within moments of stepping out on stage, he had Amanda Holden in particular utterly open-mouthed.
“You look very dapper,” Amanda began as the performer first walked out. He swiftly fired back: “Oh! Do I look my age?”, reports Wales Online.
“I don’t know, how old are you babes?” the judge quipped, prompting Lee to reveal: “I’m touching 60.”
The admission left Amanda visibly stunned as she shot back with a “You’re not! Are you?” in sheer disbelief. Simon, clearly equally impressed, then weighed in with: “You look good.”
Following that exchange, he went on to wow the entire panel with his act, earning himself the title of the “modern-day Artful Dodger” from Amanda.
Remarkably, Lee was actually employed as a Pickpocket Consultant on Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock series on Prime Video, which follows a young Sherlock Holmes as he finds himself trying his hand at pickpocketing after being inspired by the story of Oliver Twist.
Viewers at home were equally taken with the performer, with one writing: “This is genuinely amazing. Even if he might be incriminating himself.” A second enthused: “That was clever, funny and amazing….good job.”
While Lee breezed through to the next round with four yes votes from the judging panel, some viewers questioned why he wasn’t awarded the prized Golden Buzzer, which grants an act a direct pass through to the live final.
Fans were outraged this evening after KSI awarded his Golden Buzzer to a contentious act. Comedy performer Mr Cherry, 44, kicked off his routine by opening a jar of pickles before subsequently uncorking wine bottles with his buttocks.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I don’t know about you but that was the greatest thing I have ever seen,” KSI declared, as disgruntled viewers swiftly branded his choice the “worst Golden Buzzer” act ever put through on the programme.
Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturday nights from 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX. All episodes can be streamed on ITVX after broadcast.
Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left fuming after KSI used his golden buzzer on a strange act
Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left unimpressed (Image: ITV)
Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left disappointed as they threatened to ‘turn off’.
During Saturday’s (April 18) episode of the ITV talent programme, YouTuber KSI used his golden buzzer to send one act through to the live shows, but his choice has sparked criticism from viewers, who described it as the “worst golden buzzer”.
Audiences tuned in for the final auditions in the 19th series of the popular talent competition as hopefuls from across the nation demonstrated their abilities in an attempt to wow judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI.
It’s hardly surprising that they pulled out all the stops in their efforts to impress the panel and secure the £250,000 cash prize along with a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance. And as expected, they’re all hoping to earn the golden buzzer – which propels them directly through to the live shows.
However, one performer sparked considerable controversy. Mr Cherry – a Guinness World Record holder and former contestant on America’s Got Talent in 2021 – appeared on stage and left everyone stunned with his peculiar performance, reports Wales Online.
The comedian ‘strongman’, 44, began his bizarre routine by opening a stubborn jar of pickles, which neither judge KSI nor Simon Cowell managed to accomplish.
He proceeded to crush cans by sitting on them. But matters then escalated, leaving everyone astounded after he stripped down and opened wine bottles with his buttocks.
Despite squirming throughout the entire performance, audiences were stunned when KSI opted to slam his golden buzzer. KSI dashed onto the stage, only to slip and slide across the floor on the falling confetti, taking Mr Cherry down with him.
Making his way back to his seat, KSI declared: “Ladies and Gentlemen, I don’t know about you but that was the greatest thing I have ever seen.”
However, viewers at home appeared far from convinced, branding his choice the ‘worst’ golden buzzer in the show’s history.
Taking to social media, one furious fan wrote: “I’m sorry this show is finished #bgt.” Another commented: “A Golden Buzzer? How bloody ridiculous #KSI #BGT #BritainsGotTalent.”
A third posted: “WTF?! Why the hell did KSI give that act the golden buzzer, when he spent the entirety of it squirming uncomfortably? It’s beyond a joke.”
Yet another chimed in with: “Worst Golden Buzzer #BGT.” While one more questioned: “KSI HOW IS THAT GOLDEN BUZZER WORTHY???”
Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturday nights from 7pm on ITV and ITVX.
Britain’s Got Talent viewers complained about one act tonight, calling it inappropriate for family viewing
BGT viewers issued a demand to ITV bosses (Image: ITV)
Britain’s Got Talent viewers have voiced the same grievance, urging ITV bosses to “do better” following an “utterly inappropriate” act.
The beloved ITV talent programme has returned to screens once again with a brand new series, featuring BGT judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI, alongside legendary hosts Ant and Dec.
Tonight (April 18) marked the final round of auditions, but one particular act left viewers at home feeling “sick” and outraged. Fakir Testa, 45, was welcomed onto the stage, leaving both the audience and judges curious about what his performance might involve – and no-one could have guessed.
Viewers at home were quickly horrified to witness him standing on blades while having them pressed against his neck, prompting ITV to issue a ‘do not try at home’ warning.
Admitting she was “stressed”, judge Alesha pressed her red button, joined by Simon, who appeared distinctly unimpressed by the performance, reports Wales Online.
Members of the audience were also spotted turning away and peeking through their fingers, while judge Amanda buried her face in her hands.
Nevertheless, Fakir proceeded to invite Simon onto the stage, requesting he take a seat in a waiting car, before hauling it with a blade pressed against his neck.
The audience seemed to watch on in sheer horror, yet the act proved popular with the Blackpool crowd, as KSI was overheard exclaiming: “You madman, you crazy madman.”
However, viewers at home remained thoroughly unimpressed, as they directed their frustration squarely at ITV bosses. Taking to X, one person wrote: “WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK IS THIS? #BGT.” Another said: “This is NOT a family show #bgt.”
A third fumed: “F***s sake. This is on pre watershed. Do better #itv.” A fourth commented: “This is NOT talent! This is f***** lunacy.”
A fifth echoed: “I can’t watch! Why are they showing this for family entertainment #BGT ?!!?”
One viewer admitted they felt “sick” while another confessed they “can’t watch”. One person labelled it as “utterly inappropriate” as another added: “There are far too many of these Don’t try this at home stunts on #bgt . How about don’t show them on the Tele?”
However, one impressed viewer enthused: “Faki Testa – oh my days that was strange so hard to watch but b****y brilliant entertainment.”
Another offered an explanation: “The blade has to move sideways to cut or use a large amount of energy to chop My Kung Fu teacher had us do this, including spears in our throats, back in the day #BGT.”
Judge Alesha also appeared to reverse her earlier red buzzer decision as Fakir successfully made it through his audition.
Jeremy Clarkson’s choir has reportedly landed a starring role on his new series after wowing with their Britain’s Got Talent audition that sent them straight to the semi-finals
Jeremy Clarkson’s choir have landed role in ‘uplifting’ new series after wowing on BGT(Image: ITV)
Jeremy Clarkson’s choir has landed a starring role on his new series after wowing with their Britain’s Got Talent audition. The former Top Gear presenter, 66, has documented the ups and downs of Diddly Squat in the Cotswolds on his Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm since 2021, with a fifth batch of episodes expected to be released later this year.
Just weeks ago, Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir auditioned for the ITV reality competition and managed to win Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer, sending them straight through to the semi-finals after wowing with a rendition of Elbow classic One Day Like This. Just prior to belting out the famous track, member Katrina explained to the judges that Jeremy himself had set the choir up, having been sponsored by the Hawkstone Brewery that the TV star co-owns in the Cotswolds.
With the live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent just weeks away, insiders have revealed that the group of more than 30 farmers, will also enjoy another television stint with a role on the next series of Clarkson’s Farm.
A source said: “Filming for series five is well and truly under way and the finished show is likely to air next year. Fans will, however, be able to see series four in a matter of weeks, though according to Jeremy it’s a rather darker season than we’ve been used to.”
Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “Hawkstone Farmers’ ChoirBut the appearance of the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir in the following outing is going to make it more uplifting. They’re going to have to get used to being even more famous though.”
Just after their success on BGT was aired in March, Jeremy took to social media to congratulate them. He said: “I watched Britain’s Got Talent tonight for the first time because the Hawkstone Choir were on and they were just fantastic.
“These guys are all farmers and they work incredibly hard for really incredibly small rewards, and to see them all on that stage with all that love in the room made my heart sing – I actually welled up.”
While visibly holding back tears he went on to thank Amanda Holden for pressing the Golden Buzzer. He added: “It shows that people quite like farmers. They were very very good, well done all of you. I’m a very happy man tonight.”
The short video attracted comments from fellow BGT viewers, one wrote: “I was crying like a baby, the sentiment, the emotion, they’re sensational. They Will Win.” Another wrote: “Truly awesome really heartfelt.”
Speaking about getting the Golden Buzzer, Katryna Shell from Northumberland said: “The choir has turned into something so much more than singing…
“We have come together as a community, something I didn’t even anticipate. The choir is filled with all sorts of people with varying ages, singing experience, parts of the country, but we all have farming linking us together – it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”
Hugh Thomas, from Pembrokeshire said: “I had to pinch myself – this was really happening to an old boy from Pembrokeshire! Performing on National TV wasn’t something I ever envisaged… More importantly it will shine a light on agriculture, farming and the rural economy.”
HE IS known to not mince his words – and it seems Simon Cowell could get a taste of his own medicine.
I can reveal that his ex, Baywatch model Carmen Electra, and his fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul are both working on memoirs — which are set to feature their relationships with the music mogul.
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Carmen Electra is set to tell all about her brief romance with Simon Cowell in her memoirCredit: Getty – ContributorHis fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul is also set to spill the beans about their relationshipCredit: Splash News
A Los Angeles literary agent said: “Paula and Carmen are strong women and they won’t hold back when it comes to their memoirs.
“Carmen dated Simon, so knows what he is like when the cameras stop rolling.
“Rumours have swirled for years about Paula and Simon.
“They had undeniable chemistry on American Idol and now Paula has the chance to put the record straight.”
Carmen and Simon were first linked in 2012 when she briefly starred as a guest judge on ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.
The pair were spotted on a series of dinner dates.
Speaking about Carmen in December 2012, Simon said: “She’s not my girlfriend. We’re people who date. She’s adorable, isn’t she?”
Paula had starred on American Idol with Simon for eight seasons between 2002 and 2009.
The pair, who also appeared together on The X FactorUSA, were known for their chemistry on the shows.
Speaking of their relationship in 2011, he said: “On the first two seasons, we couldn’t travel on the same plane together.
“We really disliked each other that much. I think it was sexual tension — on her part.”
When later asked if the pair had ever dated, Paula replied: “Oh no! No! Ew, no!”.
Simon has proved himself as a family man — after getting engaged to American socialite Lauren Silverman in December 2021.
The couple, who have a 12-year-old son Eric, opened up their home to the cameras for Netflix’s show Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
On the six-part docu- series — which charts how the entertainment boss put together boyband December 10 — Simon praised his fiancee.
He said: “Lauren, she’s very strong, very emotional, but I love that.
“The reason we have such a great relationship is she always tells me the truth.”
Let’s hope Simon appreciates the same in these upcoming books.
SIMON likes snacking on oranges while filming the auditions for ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.
A source said: “He loves oranges – specifically easy peelers. Runners were tasked with keeping the oranges flowing during filming in Blackpool and Birmingham.
“At one point he was giving them out to the crowd, who were asking him to sign them.”
Sabrina’s Carchella
Sabrina Carpenter stole the show on the opening night of US music festival CoachellaCredit: Coachella YouTube
Paul McCartney has agreed to appear on a track on the new Rolling Stones albumCredit: Getty
HAVING made music history by appearing on a Rolling Stones’ album three years ago, Paul McCartney is repeating the feat.
The Beatles legend will feature on a track on their upcoming 25th album, which is due for release in July.
Believed to be titled Foreign Tongues, the collection of songs is largely being touted as the Stones’ final record.
It comes after Macca played bass on Bite My Head Off, a track on the Stones’ 2023 record Hackney Diamonds.
An insider said: “Details surrounding the Stones’ new album have been kept secret, but it’s true that Paul features on a new track on it. It’s a real treat for fans.”
Marty Supreme actress Odessa A’Zion is reported to have filmed their new video in a hushed-up two-day shoot at Battersea Arts Centre in South London last week.
Macca and Jagger have previously competed over who was in the best band.
Caught Live: Craig David
By Olivia Monk
HE is marking 25 years in the game, but Craig David proved he has still got it – and revealed there’s plenty more to come.
The 7 Days singer told fans at the venue in Hammersmith, West London that he is working on new music.
At his Born To Do It: 25th Anniversary gig on Thursday he had the crowd hooked from the off, admitting with hand on heart: “Oh man, we’re getting emotional here.”
But the biggest moment came when he brought out Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter and musician Fraser T Smith – who has worked with Craig as well as Adele and Rita Ora among others – and confirmed they are collaborating again.
Craig said: “He’s my brother, and also someone I’m back in the studio making new music with.”
The pair shared a stripped-back set, with Fraser cheekily flipping Craig’s famous ad lib to: “Fraser T all over your . . . ”
Still, fans were there for the classics – and Craig delivered.
Introducing 7 Days – his second consecutive UK No1 in 2000 – he said: “This song changed everything for me.” Delighted fans sang every word back.
Hit song Rewind sparked more chaos, with one over-excited fan even throwing a red bra on stage as the Apollo turned into one big party.
With energy like that, Craig won’t be Walking Away from the music industry any time soon.
SERIES two of Disney+ hit Rivals is set to feature shocking sex scenes between Danny Dyer and his on-screen partner Katherine Parkinson.
The actress, who plays novelist Lizzie Vereker in the show, back next month, teases: “You’ll see a lot of me and Danny, possibly more than you’ll want to see.”
An insider added: “It’s raunchier than the first series and will raise a lot of eyebrows.” I can’t wait.
LOUIS PARTRIDGE is the latest actor tipped to play the next James Bond – and aged 22, he could be the youngest to take the iconic role.
The historical drama series was created by Steven Knight, who is writing the script for the next Bond film.
Of impressing Steven, Louis said: “Maybe I could just be at the bar swilling a martini, saying nothing.”
Glam dash for Doc in frock
Suranne Jones was pictured running in a black satin dress while filming for Doctor FosterCredit: ISOSuranne was also seen behind the wheels of a burgundy PorscheCredit: ISO
The actress was spotted running in a black satin dress and heels has returned as the titular character.
She was also seen behind the wheel of a burgundy Porsche, and springing from the motor during filming in Hertfordshire this week.
Of her third season in the thriller, Suranne said: “When I got the call to ask if I wanted to return as Gemma Foster, I knew the time was right.”
The first series premiered in September 2015 and followed Dr Foster as she uncovers her husband Simon – Bertie Carvel – having an affair. Series two aired in 2017.
Caught Live: December 10
FRESH from their tour of Asia, boyband December 10 made their mark on London.
O2’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire was filled with the screams of teenage girls as the seven-piece group kicked off Wednesday’s sold-out bash with debut single Run My Way.
They showcased their flawless vocals with their swoon-worthy track Angel as well as a dreamy cover of Justin Bieber’s chart-topper Daisies.
Biz On Sunday’s Emily caught up with the boys – Cruz, Danny, Hendrik, Sean, John, Josh and Nicolas – backstage at the gig and learned of their exciting upcoming EP featuring their catchy new track Bad For Me.
The band have also released dates for The Next Step tour across the UK and Ireland – which kicks off in Edinburgh in July.
With another London date added due to overwhelming demand, it is clear these boys are just getting started.
Britain’s Got Talent has been accused of a ‘fix’ after one if it’s contestant has been revealed as a West End star who appeared in the musical Lion King
20:25, 05 Apr 2026Updated 21:28, 05 Apr 2026
Nic Vani was revealed as a West End star(Image: ITV)
A Britain’s Got Talent star’s West End past has been revealed. But now, Nic Vani has shared his dreams of finally being centre stage in a production, rather than in the background.
During his audition, Nic impressed all four judges with his impressive rendition of Circle of Life, taken from the hit musical, The Lion King.
But one explanation for his outstanding performance is the fact that he starred in the production as a performer. And according to reports, he played the iconic role of Simba.
Nic received a standing ovation from the judges, Stacey Solomon, who is standing in for Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, KSI and Alesha Dixon. And he received four yesses.
Nic, a father of three, described himself as a singer, without mentioning his professional past. And the reason for appearing on the show was that he finally felt ready to take his career to the next level. During his audition, Nic said: “In my current music career, I’ve always been at the back – so now I think that it’s time for me to be on the spotlight.”
However, after his performance, viewers started to do a bit of digging and found out he was a professional singer. A source said of Nic: “Nic loves performing and has been grafting in musical theatre for decades, but he has always been the swing player waiting in the wings and never the headline West End star. BGT has opened doors for all kinds of stage talent and Nic stepping out of the shadows to show his singing to the world could be the moment to change.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson said: “Anyone can apply for Britain’s Got Talent whether they are professional or amateur, irrespective of their experience. All contestants are auditioned on merit and judged on their performance on the day. Some of the acts appearing on the show may have tasted a level of success in their craft, but are not household names. All enter the contest with the hope of elevating their career to the highest level.”
As well as starring in The Lion King, he also landed a role in The Book of Mormon and has toured with former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Fans were not happy about the revelation as they believed the show should be about discovering untapped talent. Taking to X, one person wrote: “Nic vani.. the guy who literally played Simba in The Lion King.. why are they letting people like this on #bgt ??”
And his celebrity links were also on full display as Oti took to Instagram and wrote: “I love you so much and I hope this is the start of a beautiful journey for you.”
Although many were unhappy about his inclusion, others celebrated his talent as they felt he should have been given the coveted golden buzzer.
Another viewer said: “This man was phenomenal!!!! And should have had the golden buzzer!!! His performance made the hairs on my neck and spine stand on end!! Amazing!!!!”‘
Another act that was given Stacey’s golden buzzer was a primary school group who performed a unique version of All Things Bright And Beautiful. But within the song they then paused and performed a comedy skit.
Nic may be wanting to follow in the footsteps of BGT legend Susan Boyle, who shot to fame back in 2009 with her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream.
Following her performance, she made it to the final but lost out on winning the competition to dance group Diversity. Susan is now worth an estimated £22 million and has finally moved out of her childhood home.
Susan, who recently celebrated her 65th birthday, showed off her transformation. And fans were so taken aback by her news look, they said that the TV personality was ageing “backwards.”
Sharing a snap of her in a football shirt, showing off her blonde hair she captioned the post saying: “I’m so proud to support the wonderful charity, Street Soccer Scotland. I’ve absolutely loved getting my hands on this beautiful limited edition Street Soccer Scotland x Timorous Beasties football shirt.”
Comedian Hasan Al-Habib made a heartbreaking admission about being ashamed of his religion
Hasan said he grew up being ashamed (Image: BBC)
Award-winning stand-up comedian Hasan Al-Habib has made a heart-wrenching confession about once feeling embarrassed by his religion during his younger years.
Hasan is one of seven celebrities embarking on Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island, which returns for its eighth series.
However, in one segment, Hasan candidly discussed his experience growing up as a Muslim and how he once felt shame about his heritage.
He shared, “I was aware of faith from a pretty early age. I was lucky that I was definitely aware of my religion before I was aware that people don’t like it necessarily, or there are some people that are prejudiced against it,” reports the Express.
“I was growing up post 911 during the Iraq War, and that’s why, for a long time, I was kind of ashamed of being Iraqi because I didn’t like being associated with this war.
“I didn’t like being seen as the face of this conflict, so I tried to be as white British as I possibly could, and I realised that if you were funny, people liked you, and that was an invaluable currency for me at the time, because people didn’t like me.”
He continued, “Being Iraqi now, career-wise, it has been a really good thing. It’s definitely something I lean into now, maybe even too much for someone who doesn’t speak Arabic fluently and has only been to Iraq once in their life.”
Discussing his aspirations for featuring on the programme, the comedian added, “I’m really looking forward to the big questions and the searching questions that come as a part of doing this process. If you’re a rational human being, you’ve got to wonder, what happens at the end of all this, or where did we come from?”
He reflected: “People spend their whole lives answering those questions. So to have this opportunity to do it with other people, I think is really, I’m gonna say it’s a blessing.”
Hasan also accompanied Ashley and Tasha to a mosque, which proved to be a touching yet emotional experience for the duo. Tasha confessed to feeling quite moved, revealing to her co-star Hermione Norris that it was a revelation for her.
She said, “I am never going to forget it, and I felt quite emotional just seeing them two just really embracing their religion and just doing their prayer, but it was when they were doing it together, and that’s what made me go like, ‘Wow’.”
She added: “It was just powerful, and it made me realise we need to be more open-minded about religion and just not judge what people believe in, just because they believe in something different from what we may believe in.”
At another moment, Tasha became tearful as she remembered experiencing online abuse when she featured on Love Island. As she attempted to hold back tears, Tasha stated, “I suffered with ableism while I was on a reality TV show. People use your disability as their point to hate somebody. When people go on TikTok, making videos, literally taking the mick at how I spoke, it still gets to me now.”
She remarked through tears, “I don’t like crying,” before continuing, “It’s literally three years ago, but it still gets to me. I think it’s because I saw the impact it had on my family, my dad and mum had to see so many horrible comments about my disability, my and that’s why now I have a stronger shield within me, really.”
Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island is available to stream on BBCiPlayer.
A TV insider has shared what they claim is the real reason behind a ‘blunder’ on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent
BGT fans spotted a blunder during a magician’s act last week(Image: ITV)
A TV insider has revealed what he claims is a behind-the-scenes Britain’s Got Talent secret ploy following a ‘blunder’ during a recent episode of the ITV programme.
The hit talent competition recently made a triumphant return to our screens as judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI reunited with presenters Ant and Dec in the hunt for Britain’s next talented superstar.
Contestants have pulled out all the stops in an attempt to impress the panel and secure a life-changing £250,000 cash prize and a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance.
Amongst the numerous performers who have graced the stage so far is magician Fabian Fox and BGT fans know full well that magic acts are amongst the most-loved performances on the programme.
Last weekend the young magician introduced himself to judges Amanda Holden, KSI, Alesha Dixon and guest judge Stacey Solomon, while two large platforms with curtains attached stood behind him on the stage, reports Belfast Live.
However, his trick sparked conversation amongst fans as he ‘transported’ a woman and man from one of the platforms to the other using his own powers.
The way viewers were going to be able to tell that it was the same woman transported onto the platform was that she was going to be holding one white sports trainer at the point of teleportation.
Yet viewers watching at home were swift to notice an editing blunder as initially the lady was holding a trainer with the laces undone, then, when she “teleported” to the other platform, the laces were mysteriously tied up.
According to TikTok user @adamjamesonTV, who works in television, it was no accident and programme producers did that deliberately to attract more audiences.
Mirror has approached ITV for comment.
In footage shared to his account, he displayed an image of the ‘error’ and stated: “So everybody thinks this was an editing blunder on Britain’s Got Talent but they’re wrong.
“First of all, this edit is seen by so many people before it actually gets broadcast. There’s no way on earth they missed it.”
He went on: “Second of all, the fact that they kept this blunder in means that he’s definitely not going to win the show. Their argument will be that they’re showing the act as it was and therefore they’re doing nothing to manipulate the performance.
“However, their real reason is the fact that you guys will all stick it on social media and talk about the show. If you’re talking about the show, the show gets more viewers and the traction gets bigger. Essentially, he’s just become another pawn in Britain’s Got Talent’s machine.”
He concluded: “If they wanted him to win, they would have cut this bit out, gone to a wide shot and nobody would have known. But whether you like it or not, Britain’s Got Talent is not about having a fair talent competition. It’s about viewers and viewers equals money.”
Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturday nights on ITV and ITVX.
It’s not the first time the comedian has spoken out about his friendship with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, after fans raised the same question
13:26, 22 Mar 2026Updated 15:45, 22 Mar 2026
Amanda Holden was surprised that fans had doubted their chemistry
Amanda Holden‘s co-star and friend Alan Carr has set the record straight about their on-screen chemistry. The duo front a BBC travel series, in which they help renovate properties across Greece, Italy, and Spain. Along with their hard work, viewers have warmed to the pair’s humorous ways and heartfelt conversations – including a recent sad discussion about Amanda’s stillborn son Theo.
Joining Alan on the latest edition of his podcast, Life Is A Beach, Bob Mortimer discussed what it was like working with his co-star Paul Whitehouse on their series Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.
After admitting that they couldn’t present in a traditional way, he said the duo decided to take a more natural approach – one that has worked well over the years. “They just like it when we’re chatting,” he told Alan, to which he agreed.
“Yes, that’s true – it’s the chemistry people want, and you can’t fake that,” he went on to say.
Alan added that he’s often asked whether he genuinely likes Amanda, despite their obvious camaraderie on TV. “I mean, people go, ‘Do you really like Amanda?’ I couldn’t be in 40-degree heat in Greece knocking down a partition wall with someone I hate.
“Why would I sign up for that? You have to actually like the person, more than like, you have to really go, ‘Oh hello Amanda, right let’s have a laugh, what have you been up to?’ And I think you can’t actually fake that,” he clarified.
This isn’t the first time Alan has addressed questions about their friendship. On a previous episode of the show, Amanda was surprised that fans had doubted their chemistry.
Alan joked that viewers often comment on her distinctive laugh and ask how he “puts up” with it, to which she quipped: “This is an outrage!”.
Clarifying any lingering doubts, Alan added: “No, no, no. We couldn’t do this job if we didn’t like each other – it would be hell.” Amanda added: “There’s not a single other person I could do it with,” to which he replied: “No, it would have to be you.”
While the pair have enjoyed a successful run on the BBC show, they recently snubbed the idea of presenting Strictly Come Dancing together.
Amid speculation that they might replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Amanda confirmed on her Heart Radio Breakfast Show with Jamie Theakston: “I want to say now that me and Alan are 100 per cent not doing Strictly. We’re so flattered to be in that mix, but we both are not doing it.”
Speaking to The Daily Mail, the Britain’s Got Talent judge insisted she also wouldn’t be able to fit the role into her already busy schedule juggling family life and her career.
“You see, I am already part of a big show, and I’ll happily carry on watching Strictly from the comfort of my lounge, but it takes up too many weekends, I’ve got to remember that I have children and a husband,” she revealed.
“But I just hope that they still have two females doing it, that’s my big thing. They need somebody super funny, and somebody that you wouldn’t expect.”
Putting forward who she believes could be good for the positions, she suggested The One Show’s Alex Jones, BBC Radio star Zoe Ball and comedians Katherine Ryan and Daisy May Cooper.
