Best Of British
Britain’s Got Talent is still one of the most-watched entertainment shows on TV. As the latest series kicks off, we reflect on just what gives it such enduring appeal…
Britain’s Got Talent
Every year Britain’s Got Talent sees weird, wacky and wonderful wannabes battling it out to win a coveted spot on the roster at the Royal Variety Performance. It’s a format that has changed little in the 14 years it’s been on telly – and with good reason; since it made its debut on ITV back in 2007, BGT has continued to attract an astounding audience. More than 10 million viewers tuned in for last year’s final, making it 2019’s most popular entertainment show.
With TV talent competitions now 10 a penny, BGT continues to keep a grip on viewers’ imaginations in a way that others have not. But what’s the secret to its winning formula? Here, we take a look at why everyone loves BGT.
SHOCK MOMENTS
From high-risk circus stunts to dancing dogs, BGT has brought us some brilliant per formances over the years. But sometimes it’s the seemingly ordinary acts that turn out to be the most memorable. Architect Vina (34) appeared on the 2016 series and revealed she’d wanted to be a singer since she was a little girl. But after per forming I Feel Pretty from West Side Story, the judges told her that unfortunately her voice wasn’t up to scratch. David Walliams said, “If I closed my eyes, I would have thought you were a goat!” Of course, there have been pleasant surprises in the show’s history, too. Who knew that the small, stocky lady with unkempt hair from a tiny town in West Lothian would belt out such a hair-raising rendition of I Dreamed A Dream that she would become a global superstar? To this day, Susan Boyle is still BGT’s biggest success story.
FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Even after a disastrous per formance, there’s no place for spite and callousness on BGT. Judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are far nicer than panellists on other talent shows (yes, even Simon, whose ‘Mr Nasty’ persona is almost fatherly compared to his XFactor alter ego). And while there are plenty of disputes among the judges over the acts, everything feels very tongue-in-cheek.
Throw in cheeky chappie hosts Ant and Dec, with their trademark banter, and it makes for a glorious evening of good-natured fun.
AMAZING ECCENTRICS
One of the show’s strengths is that it’s a gloriously mixed bag, with comedians, magicians, dancers and fire eaters all sharing the stage. And in flinging its doors wide to every type of act, BGT has showcased its fair share of weird and wonderful performers. Who could forget 73-year-old break dancer Fred Bowers, who appeared on the third series, or the rollerskating dinner lady on last year’s show? Bizarre animals have also won the hearts of the public – a dancing racoon, painting donkey and a dog with powers of hypnosis, to name a few. The show celebrates two great British traits, eccentricity and daftness, which – especially now – are a welcome antidote to gloomy headlines.
UNFORGETTABLE WINNERS
The talent show has discovered some genuinely astounding talents since it began, many of whom have gone on to stellar careers. Memorable winners include dance troupe Diversity (2009), young gymnasts Spellbound (2010) and shadow theatre act Attraction (2013). But being innovative doesn’t guarantee a win. Singers also do well on BGT, and it’s often the tear-jerking performances that strike a chord with viewers. Most recently, it was 89-year-old Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery, who took to the stage in his Royal Artillery uniform – war medals proudly displayed – to perform a moving cover of LoveChanges Everything in memory of his beloved wife Joan. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. He’s the oldest finalist to date – someone who, more than anyone else, embodies the show’s spirit of inclusiveness. Long may that continue.
OLD SCHOOL FUN
There’s something wonder fully retro about BGT. It’s a show where individualism is celebrated in all its bonkers glory, with a light-heartedness reminiscent of yester year variety shows like New Faces and Opportunity Knocks. You won’t find life-changing recording contracts on offer here – the ultimate prize is to per form in front of the Queen, and some acts are clearly just doing it for the fun of it rather than for fame and fortune. We love them all!