BRITAIN'S Got Talent's original winner Paul Potts has waded into the judge 'fix row' after fans fumed over the live semi finals.
Many BGT viewers have felt that the judges have deliberately split their votes every night to send the outcome to the public vote - making the whole point of their judging and ability to save an act a 'waste of time.'
And Paul, 53, agrees that the deadlock is becoming very frustrating and the format needs shaking up as a result.
Speaking to Sky Bingo, the tenor said: “It’s happened [a deadlock] in every show and it happens almost every year. Some should argue that the judges should just judge.
" I think BGT needs five judges. They need an odd number to make it work better. Then it actually becomes judging.
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He continued: " I get why they don’t want to send children home and break a child’s heart but at some point, they have to make a decision. Having an even number means you always have that risk that it’s going to keep going to deadlock.
"You might as well have it all done on audience votes. Another option is to give a casting vote. It will be interesting to see if it has an impact on the final."
Would Paul fancy that fifth judging spot himsel, if the show was to add an extra person alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Bruno Tonioli?
“Of course, I’d love to do it - make me the fifth judge!" he smiled. "I’ve done guest judging before so I have the experience!”
And if Paul was to join the show on a permanent basis, he would bring back a 'lost' part of the series that he believes needs to return.
Paul explained: “In the very early stages of BGT they had a wild card and it was voted by the public. That should be brought back - a public vote for all those who finished third and who should be brought back.
"Then that has some independence rather than being down to the judges to decide who comes back. The judges’ save is neither here nor there.”
Paul won the show way back in 2007 and went on to be so successful, a film about his life story was made.
One Chance starred James Corden as Paul and was a box office hit.
As for who he thinks is the one to watch this year, he has his money on an act from last night's semi-final.
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Paul said: “There’s obviously a few acts to go yet the semi finals and some will stand a chance. But I do think Sydnie Christmas is favourite for a reason.
"It does also come down to how you perform on the night in the final. I like Innocent Masuku and Mike Woodhams is a dark horse. I do think Sydnie has a strong chance.”
Last night Sydnie topped the public vote and went straight through to the final.
She was joined by singing impressionist Mike once the judges sent the decision to the public vote.
Leightonjay Halliday was sent packing as a result.
On Tuesday night, magician Jack Rhodes and Japanese skipping act Haribow made it through to the final.
And the semi finals week kicked off with Innocent and Sslaubi Performance Troupe becoming the first two acts to be sent through to the last showdown this weekend.
Britain's Got Talent continues tonight at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
