Britain's Got Talent has been dropped from its slot in next weekend's schedule in a major shake-up, and has been hit by a fresh wave of Ofcom complaints from angry viewers
Britain's Got Talent has been dropped from ITV next weekend.
The new series of the ITV talent hit kicked off at the end of last month and has already sparked hundreds of complaints to Ofcom. Over 600 viewers contacted the media watchdog after seeing Auzzy Blood push a giant corkscrew through his nose and hang himself to the ceiling with a meat hook.
Judges Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Toniolo are back on the panel, and were recently joined by guest judge KSI. However, fans tuning in next week won't see them on their screens as the show's been replaced by the rugby.
The show usually airs on Saturday nights at 7pm every week, but it's been pulled from the schedule next week (March 15) to make way for the Six Nations game between France and Scotland. It means some fans will have to wait until the following week to get their BGT fix.
It comes after viewers flocked to Ofcom to complain after American stunt performer Auzzy Blood shocked fans with his daring goth-inspired tricks, that involved inserting a corkscrew and meat hook through his head and nose and out of his mouth. Fans were even issued a warning not to try the trick at home.
He pushed a tube through his face and convinced judge Simon Cowell to suck liquid through it. The shocking footage aired before the 9pm watershed, but it didn't stop hundreds of people from slamming the routine - and now the show has received over 800 complaints in total.
One said: “My daughter’s nearly throwing up and I just couldn't look at all.” Another added: “My six-year-old was traumatised poor thing. It's not even 9pm.”
Article continues below
And one said: “That is an absolute NO for me. I personally believe the fact you came onto a show like this and stuck hooks through your nose is morally repugnant and totally out of keeping with a family show and a potential Royal Variety act. NO."
Show boss Simon had predicted the act to spark complaints to Ofcom because it is so shocking. Speaking before it was aired, he told the Daily Star: “It’s spooky horror where you don’t want to watch it, but you do want to watch it. That’s obviously why we’re going to show it.
“We probably will get some complaints. Hopefully!” Judge Amanda Holden also admitted she was hoping Auzzy Blood would spark complaints.
Over the years she had divided opinion by wearing revealing outfits. Talking about whether or not viewers would be contacting Ofcom, she joked: “Let's hope so. Because I've kept fully dressed and covered up, so we're praying for Ofcom.”
