Has Britain got any NEW talent?
Show recycles acts who have already been seen by millions
BrITAIn’S Got Talent has unearthed a raft of extraordinary acts that became household names, from Susan Boyle, Paul Potts and dance troupe Diversity through to Pudsey and last year’s winner, disabled comedian Lost Voice Guy.
But it seems that in its 13th series, Britain is now scraping the barrel for talent – as ITV was reduced to recycling several contestants who have already tasted stardom.
Dancer Akshat Singh, 14, wowed presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly on Saturday’s show, earning their coveted golden buzzer for his enthusiastic performance that puts him straight through to the live semi-finals.
However, the youngster has already won millions of fans during his turn on the show’s counterpart, India’s Got Talent, and clips of him dancing on the Ellen DeGeneres talk show, watched by 4million viewers in America, went viral, leading to
‘All contestants are auditioned on merit’
more television appearances across the world and even a role in two films and a Japanese advert.
Among familiar contestants taking another punt at stardom on Saturday was stand-up comedian Janice Connolly.
Her housewife character Barbara nice was first spotted by comedian Peter Kay in the 1990s during the north West Act Of The Year competition in Manchester. She went on to feature in several of his shows, including sitcom Phoenix nights and That Peter Kay Thing.
She has even appeared as two different characters on Coronation Street.
BGT judge David Walliams also recognised another of Saturday night’s performers – singer Brian Gilligan. Questioned by head judge Simon Cowell, Mr Gilligan admitted to having previous success in London’s West End, including a starring role in The Commitments.
Britain’s Got Talent insisted last night that anyone could be a contestant on the show regardless of their past experience.
A spokesman added: ‘Anyone can apply for Britain’s Got Talent whether they are professional or amateur, irrespective of their past experience, and all contestants are auditioned on merit.’ Saturday’s episode was watched by 6.6million viewers – down from the 7.6million who tuned in for the series premiere earlier this month.
Dancer Singh, who lives in Mumbai, began his talent show career on Bengali programme Dance Bangla Dance, before finding success on India’s Got Talent and later appearing on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, India’s version of Strictly Come Dancing. His dance on the Ellen DeGeneres show has garnered more than four million views online. As during his previous TV appearances, his enthusiastic dancing and beaming smile won over the BGT judges and viewers at home.
The new series has seen McPartlin and Donnelly reunite after a year apart, following McPartlin’s drink driving conviction.