Britain's Got Talent has come under fire from the public after the ITV talent show kicked off its latest season on Saturday night.
Some fans were taken aback by two of the performances featured in the opening episode, leading to concerns about the show's suitability for a younger audience, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Critics slammed the producers, suggesting such acts were inappropriate for family viewing early in the evening. The controversy began with a performance by Japanese comedian Akira, whose bold slapstick act included him strutting onto the stage naked, using only a silver plate to shield his bits and pieces.
READ MORE: {{title}}
He went on to narrowly avoid revealing too much by cleverly utilising props such as a beach ball and a tissue box. Although live viewers were spared any explicit visuals - and Akira’s derrière was tastefully hidden by a Union Jack graphic for those watching at home - the pre-watershed timing of the act raised eyebrows.
Comments on YouTube showed viewers' dismay, with one saying: "Absolutely Ridiculous! I had to tell my own children to look away! Kids are watching this!"
On social media platform X, questions arose like: "How did this get through screening? It's not past 9pm?" and "Why is there bum on my TV at 19:53 on a Saturday evening?" Another displeased audience member remarked that while it might be amusing for grown-ups, it certainly wasn't appropriate: "May well be funny for adults. Nevertheless, not at this time of evening on main stream TV."
The second act to hit the stage had viewers at home seriously spooked, with some saying they'd be having nightmares and parents moaning that their kids were left 'screaming'. Auzzy Blood made quite the entrance in a black cloak and a Joker-esque grin plastered on his face.
Cackling wickedly, he whipped out two hefty metal spiral coils. A warning popped up on screen telling folks not to 'try this at home', hinting that something risky was about to go down.
Most Read
The crowd was gobsmacked as the performer shoved the first coil up one nostril and twisted it until it emerged from the other. Then, he threaded the second coil through his throat and out his nose, much to the judges' dismay.
As those watching from their sofas squirmed, Auzzy Blood wasn't done yet – he yanked a plastic pipe through his nose and got judge Simon Cowell to sip through it. His performance reached a wild climax as he hooked himself by the nose and hoisted up towards the rafters.
The stunt left viewers petrified, prompting a flurry of complaints on social media, with many questioning if it was really kid-friendly telly. One viewer vented on X: "I don't mind these acts, and happily watch. But again is this really suitable material for family viewing on a Saturday evening?"
Another shared: "Noooo nooooo, I'm 100% having nightmares tonight." A third chimed in: "THIS is the exact kind of act I HATE. I look away whenever there is anything gory or daredevil."
One parent grumbled: "I've got one kid screaming. One kid in awe. One kid hiding behind a pillow."
Another viewer, tuning in with their youngster, said: "I'm not easily offended but that was vile. My son asked why people are clapping....told him it's because it's finally over! " Another asked: "Family friendly?!"
Some viewers insisted the performance shouldn't have hit the airwaves. "This act should not be shown on tv," raged a viewer, "It's disgusting! Kids watch this!" "No. Disgusting to watch. Not for me at all. Stupid. Dangerous not really a talent is it," said another, while one more added: "This is not appropriate for children to watch."
Don’t miss
One concerned audience member said they were "preparing for my child to have nightmares later". ITV and Britain's Got Talent have been contacted for comment.
On the flip side, the first episode of the new series showered golden buzzers on two talents, straight into the semi-finals. Impressionist Will Burns and crooner Vinnie McKee wowed judges Simon, Amanda Holden, KSI, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon with their performances.
Glasgow's holiday park entertainer Vinnie was the initial buzzer beneficiary, belting out The Proclaimers' I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) with soulful flair. Finally, 24-year-old Will concluded the show on a high note as presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly charged onstage to slam the golden buzzer in his favour.
Elsewhere, animal act Sarah And Meatball faced disappointment when Meatball the dog declined to perform with his owner after arriving on stage in an electric car, leading the judges to send them home. The other acts progressing to the next round included eight year old magician Teddy, accordion player and singer RuMac, and singing duo Han And Fran, who had the audience grooving to their Abba medley.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
