Britain’s Got Talent’s most complained about moments in 18 years as Simon Cowell’s threatened with Ofcom by furious fans
OVER the years Britain’s Got Talent has got people talking, but sometimes not for the right reasons.
Since the show kicked off in 2007, furious fans have often threatened to call Ofcom – with the latest series being no different.
Fans have threatened to call Ofcom again after Simon Cowell pushed the Golden Buzzer for a Japanese act last weekend (April 27).
Viewers were furious after the dance troupe Cyberagent Legit received the coveted buzzer, as they are professional act.
But this isn’t the first time Cowell and his show has faced the viewers wrath.
Here we take a look at the other times fans have complained to Ofcom about Britain’s Got Talent…
Amanda Holden’s sexy outfits
Judge Amanda Holden’s risque frocks have certainly caused a stir over the years.
In fact, her sexy dresses have been one of the hot topics when it comes to viewers calling up Ofcom.
In June 2017, Amanda donned arguably her most daring dress of all time – and boy did it make an impression.
The plunging sheer black Julien Macdonald gown – worth a whopping £11,250 – received over 600 Ofcom complaints, making it the most complained about TV moment of that year.
However, Amanda remains defiant towards any kind of backlash about her risky frocks, claiming Britain’s Got Talent is “the perfect opportunity to take risks”.
She previously told The Sun her outfits are so famously controversial they’re now monitored before she steps on-stage.
“There’s now a whole body of people that knock on my door and come and stare at my chest before we go on air,” she explained.
“There’s a t*t committee. There are so many brilliant people, they come down, knock on the door and there’s the lady who’s the producer who said, ‘Mandy, it looks great’.”
Last year, Amanda hit back at viewers who have moaned about her fashion choices, telling MailOnline: “Everyone talks about my t**s and Bruno Tonioli‘s are out all the time. No Ofcom complaints about me this year please!”
Diversity’s BLM performance
BGT winners Diversity attracted over 24,000 complaints to Ofcom following their Black Lives Matter performance in 2020.
Furious ITV viewers complained in their droves after Ashley Banjo‘s powerful tribute to the late George Floyd, who tragically died after a white cop kneeled on his neck for over nine minutes.
Ashley opened the piece by reciting a viral poem The Great Realisation by the singer Tomfoolery, which is about the BLM movement and police brutality.
The group were dressed in riot gear and also took the knee partway through the performance, with Ashley saying it was a necessary to highlight the hate he’s received since the show.
He tweeted: “So much to say… But I’ll Just let the performance talk. Thousands of messages of Love and support – Thank you.
“For the thousands of messages of hate and ignorance – Thank you. You highlight exactly what needs to change. Sending nothing but love to you all.”
Viggo Venn’s 2023 BGT win
Fans furiously complained to Ofcom after comedian Viggo Venn won Britain’s Got Talent in 2023.
Over 100 viewers vented their fury to the broadcasting regulator over the outcome – despite it being a public vote.
The Norwegian comedian triumphed over young dancer Lilliana Clifton and teen magician Cillian O’Connor in the final, prompting some fans to slam the show as a “fix”.
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom revealed that it received over 116 official complaints shortly after the episode aired.
The complaints were said to be about the winner result, which saw hi-vis-wearing Viggo win a whopping £250,000 and a place on the Royal Variety Show.
Nabil Abdulrashid’s jokes
BGT was hit with more than 2,000 complaints over comedian Nabil Abdulrashid’s jokes in the 2020 finale.
The Londoner used his stand-up set to goad the angry viewers who complained to TV watchdog Ofcom about his past routines.
He also spoke about police brutality in a routine based around race where he joked that “Winston Churchill was black”.
Nabil opened his routine by saying: “They complained because we said black lives matter – thousands of complaints. To be honest I’m shocked that many of them know how to write.
“They sent in thousands of angry letters. Hopefully if I annoy them today they can progress onto words.
“They even wrote complaints about me – that’s what upsets me. What did I say to offend anybody?
“You’d think I came out here and said something really inflammatory… like Winston Churchill was black.
“By the way, he was. I can prove it. When was the last time you met a white man called Winston?”
Timeline of BGT winners
Britain's Got Talent has been thrilling fans since it burst onto the scene in 2007.
Here we take a look at all the BGT winners – from the first ever one to the most recent:
2007: Paul Potts – The first ever winner of BGT was opera singer Paul Potts. He saw off competition from Connie Talbot, The Bar Wizards, Bessie Cursors, Damon Scott and Kombat Breakers to win.
2008: George Sampson – In series two of Britain’s Got Talent a young George Sampson wowed judges and viewers with his impressive dance moves.
2009: Diversity – Dance troupe Diversity scooped the BGT crown and beat of competition from singer Susan Boyle, who was strongly tipped to win the show.
2010 – Spellbound: Gymnastic troupe Spellbound really impressed judge Simon Cowell with their stunning routines and incredible stunts in 2010. At the time, the music mogul said: “I can only say on live television that was one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen.”
2011 – Jai McDowall: Viewers were stunned when Jai McDowall won the show in 2011, as young singer Ronan Parke was the favourite to win the series.
2012 – Ashleigh and Pudsy: Ashleigh Butler and her adorable pooch Pudsey stole hearts when they performed in series six of the talent show.
2013 – Attraction: Hungarian shadow artist group Attraction won the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent. The squad had taken part in the German version of BGT in 2012, however, they had only placed seventh.
2014 – Collabro: Classical music band Collabro faced tough competition in the 2014 final as all the finalist were singers, but they went on to scoop the crown.
2015 – Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse: Dog lovers everywhere could’t get enough of Jules O’Dwyer and pet pup Matisse. The impressive duo even performed on a tightrope to secure their win.
2016 – Richard Jones: Army man Richard Jones became the first magician in the show’s history to win Britain’s Got Talent.
2017 – Tokio Myers: Pianist Tokio Myers impressed the judges with his blend of classical and electronic music.
2018 – Lost Voice Guy: Stand-up comedian Lost Voice Guy, who performs with a speech synthesiser, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was six months old. However, he defied the odds and is a BGT champ.
2019 – Colin Thackery: Veteran army officer Colin Thackery warmed the nations hearts with his singing voice. He was crowned winner of BGT after singing Michael Ball’s Love Changes Everything.
2020 – Jon Courtenay: Singer and pianist Jon Courtenay was Ant and Dec’s Golden Buzzer act. After he won the £250,000 prize he said: “”Just amazing, I can’t believe it.”
2022 – Axel Blake: Comedian Axel Blake scooped the crown after the show was off air for two years during Covid.
2023 – Viggo Venn: The reigning BGT champ is comedian Viggo Venn.