Britain’s Got Talent’s first day of Blackpool auditions has already sparked backlash, as footage appeared to show one of the performances being re-filmed.
Judge Amanda Holden appeared in an excited video from the first day of filming in the city, after pressing her Golden Buzzer.
In the clip, shared on BGT’s Instagram account, she gushed: ‘It’s for something that you will not expect me to press it for!’
However, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that in the background of the clip, a member of the crew could be heard telling the audience that a moment was going to be ‘re-created’.
They said: ‘We’re going to bring back Oliver back to the stage and we’re going to re-create that moment once again, just to get another…’ before the video cut off.
Britain’s Got Talent ‘s first day of Blackpool auditions has already sparked backlash, as footage appeared to show one of the performances being re-filmed
Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden were joined by guest judge KSI as auditions for the ITV show kicked off in the UK city
Some fans were quick to share their thoughts on X, with posts including: ‘It actually never used to be normal. Only a few years ago they started doing unnecessary pick-ups at auditions, they used to be more authentic.
‘Firstly it’s not that deep but secondly it’s just hilarious they tell the audience *not* to film only to let this slip online themselves.’
‘TV has been fake since forever lol – TV is there to entertain and sometimes reality is boring and needs a boost;
‘I attended an audition back in 2011 and I haven’t been able to watch it since. Fake doesn’t even cut it. The entire show is scripted.’
On Tuesday, Amanda revealed a first-look sneak peek at 2024 judging panel after KSI temporarily replaced Bruno Tonioli.
The veteran show judge posed for a cheeky behind-the-scenes selfie with her fellow judges.
Taking to her Instagram story with the snap, she wrote in her caption: ‘What a line up. Sending [love] to @brunotonioliofficial.’
Despite auditions kicking off this week, the next series won’t air on TV screens until next year.
In a clip of Amanda gushing about pressing her Golden Buzzer, fans noticed a member of the crew could be heard saying to the audience they were going to ‘recreate’ a moment
However, fortunately for fans, they will have to wait less time than they are used to, as the show will return two month’s earlier than usual – starting in February rather than April, like it typically does.
KSI will star on the talent show judge panel for just three of the five first round audition days.
A source told the Sun: ‘Bosses were keen for KSI to appear much like a full-time judge would, given he’s due to stand in for a number of days.
‘It means there will be one more Golden Buzzer act this year, with the remaining judges and hosts Ant and Dec also given an opportunity to press it.
‘It will no doubt make the finals more exciting, to see which judge is best at picking a winner.’
It is believed that the musician and amateur boxer was brought in by Simon to attract younger audiences.
Last year, he was rumoured to be making a deal to join the show, with a source telling The Sun at the time: ‘Simon Cowell knows KSI is a huge hit with the younger generation.
‘He would be a great addition to pull in teenage fans, which is something the producers are keen to do.
‘KSI is chatting to bosses in the hope of agreeing a deal that would also work with his hectic schedule.’
But when the star was first rumoured to be joining the panel, Simon was forced to shut down whispers that Bruno was being axed permanently.
It was confirmed last year that the Italian choreographer would be returning for the next series despite scheduling clashes.
Appearing on Heart Radio at the time, Simon insisted: ‘I would not replace him. I love Bruno on the show.’
He explained that due to the clashes with Bruno’s schedule, the star would be replaced for some of the auditions that he is unable to attend.
Addressing the rumours, host Jamie Theakston asked the star: ‘I’m gonna read you a headline from one of the papers today Simon… ‘Britain’s Got Talent set to drop judge, Bruno”
As Simon confessed the headline was false, Jamie pressed: ‘Okay, well, what of that isn’t truth?’
KSI will star on the talent show judge panel for just three of the five first round audition days, due to judge Bruno Tonioli’s filming commitments in the US
Simon explained: ‘Seriously. I spoke to… I don’t know where all this stuff comes from. I spoke to the producers literally two weeks ago about there is a scheduling issue with Bruno.
‘Because we’re doing the auditions… some of the auditions this year and he’s going to be in America.
‘So maybe there’ll be a stand in for him. I don’t know. But I love Bruno on the show. I think he’s brilliant.’
Heart Radio co-host and fellow judge Amanda agreed as she added: ‘He brings such an amazing energy and he knows so much.’
‘And he knows so much about what he’s talking about. And actually, he’s a brilliant, brilliant judge and the nicest person. So no, I would not replace him,’ Simon added.
‘So… Bruno’s coming back?’ asked Jamie as Simon confirmed once and for all: ‘He’s coming back.’
Speaking candidly Simon added: ‘Can I be honest with you? I wouldn’t change this judging panel, I think it is something… it’s like your show, your number one. So why would I change BGT.’