Britain’s Got Talent set for new row as huge act from Italian version of the show leaves Simon Cowell furious
BRITAIN’S Got Talent has been plunged into fresh controversy after an Italian act who already flaunted their wares on Italy’s Got Talent, has resurfaced on the ITV show.
Umberto and Damiano performed their pantomime skit from Disney’s Frozen, which had most of the judging panel in stitches, with the exception of Simon Cowell.
While Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon cackled with laughter at the slap stick comedy act, Simon sat with his arms folded, looking unimpressed.
The comedy duo, Umberto and Damiano performed the same sketch on the Italian show last year and they are not, according to their social media, British citizens.
Indeed the pair specifically flew to the UK to attend the audition.
This comes as audiences have been left baffled by the increase in foregn acts auditioning for ITV talent show.
Some angry fans have suggested that the show should be renamed to: The World’s Got Talent and others have even threatened to call Ofcom to report a “Violation of the Trade Description Act.”
As well as the Italian Frozen sketch, there has also been a beatboxing group called Sarukani, a drone operator called Keiichiro Tani and then dance troupe Cyberagent Legit – who are all from Japan.
Another fan queried: “How do they even qualify for #BGT ? They’re from JAPAN?”
But the fans are forgetful, for foreign acts have been part of the competition since it first began back in 2007, but in recent years there has been a increase in acts from abroad wishing to be part of the flagship show.
The first series saw just two overseas acts compete, but by series six in 2012, the number of competitors had doubled.
Indeed series 14 back in 2020, saw the most foreign talent with 28 coming from abroad.
A BGT spokesperson said: “Britain’s Got Talent is, and has always been, open to all, regardless of your age, where you’re from, or your level of experience. Over the course of the show’s 17 series history, we have seen acts audition to become renowned across the globe.
