Britain’s Got Talent returned last weekend with new judge KSI, as well as its lowest ever ratings
Britain’s Got Talent made its return to ITV1 last weekend, kicking off its 19th series.
Ant and Dec are back at the helm of the nationwide talent competition, which features a diverse range of performers vying for a £250,000 prize and the opportunity to appear at the Royal Variety Performance.
This year, musician and YouTuber KSI has taken Bruno Tonioli’s place on the judging panel, sitting alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon for the opening auditions held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
Throughout the opening episode, the panel witnessed an array of performances, including a drone display team, a wheelchair-based aerial artist, and a fire performer. However, viewers were swift to voice their frustration online, expressing concerns that the programme has become too repetitive, reports Belfast Live.
Britain’s Got Talent has returned to screens(Image: ITV)
READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent’s new judge KSI upsets audience after he ‘breaks unwritten rule’READ MORE: South West BGT act leaves viewers emotional over King Charles tribute
“I’m sorry but every series of #BritainsGotTalent just feels the same these days. I’ll watch it but not that interested,” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another commented: “I used to like talent shows. But this over produced manipulative exploitative nonsense is everything that’s wrong with modern day TV and has no interest in finding real talent,” whilst a third remarked: “Same boring format, same boring b******* , same boring sob stories, need to watch something else.”
The negative response to this year’s opening episode has contributed to viewing figures dropping by half over the past four years. Historically, BGT has attracted a substantial viewership of between six and ten million people per series.
However, last week’s episode got off to a disappointing start, with just three million people tuning in – marking the programme’s lowest ever ratings.
More hopefuls have auditioned(Image: ITV)
Admittedly, there remains a loyal fanbase who continue to enjoy the talent competition, but I find myself sympathising with those considering abandoning it permanently.
I’ve followed every single series of BGT and previously adored the programme. The mixture of brilliant and terrible performances, Ant and Dec’s presenting, and the entertaining exchanges between the judges consistently drew me back.
Sadly, I now believe it’s time to bring the curtain down on this long-standing programme once and for all. BGT has been broadcast for nearly two decades, meaning there’s a limit to how many fresh talents can continue to be featured.
Viewers will undoubtedly recall the dog act phenomenon sparked by 2012 champions Ashleigh and Pudsey, which appeared to fade away before resurfacing once more. Beyond that, countless magicians have taken to the stage over the years, and they keep on coming.
Ant and Dec have returned as hosts(Image: ITV)
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website
Alongside the recurring act types, the programme also appears to feature the same contestants repeatedly. Last year, BGT sparked controversy when LED ensemble The Blackouts were awarded a golden buzzer, despite having previously reached the final of both the Swiss and German editions of the programme.
The controversy has resurfaced this year, following Simon Cowell’s decision to award his golden buzzer to wheelchair aerialist Paul Nunnari – who previously reached the final of Australia’s Got Talent in 2013.
The repetitive format and familiar acts are amongst the factors contributing to waning interest in this once-beloved British television institution, and it pains me to say that I share these concerns.
What was previously a distinctive and entertaining weekend programme has transformed into a repetitive cycle that mirrors previous years. The question remains: when will it be time to accept that we’ve exhausted Britain’s pool of talent?
Britain’s Got Talent is available to stream on ITVX
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.devonlive.com ’
