WITH half the acts so far through to the Britain’s Got Talent final coming from outside the UK, fans are scratching their heads over the lack of homegrown stars.
Sunday’s main event will see performers from Japan, South Africa and South Korea.
BGT finalist Innocent Masku was born in South Africa but lives in London, he has been part of the English National OperaCredit: RexJapanese dancers Haribow are in the final after wowing by performing double Dutch skipping while blindfoldedCredit: RexSouth Koreans Ssaulbi sailed into the final, on the judges’ vote, after showing off their jaw-dropping Taekwondo movesCredit: RexAnd more foreign acts are likely to make it too as, at the time of writing, two golden buzzer acts — both Japanese — are still to come.
It has resulted in some viewers threatening to call regulator Ofcom to report a “violation of the Trade Descriptions Act”.
One ranted: “I think it should be renamed World’s Got Talent with all the foreign acts.
From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023"It’s ridiculous and shouldn’t be allowed.”
A second questioned: “Why is it still called ‘Britain’s’ got talent?
"Time to revamp rules or rename the show!”
A third remarked: “BGT should be renamed BFT — Britain Found Talent — or BITFOC — Britain Invited Talent From Other Countries.”
And another said: “Most of the acts have come to the UK just to enter the competition. Have we really no talent?”
Through to the final so far are foreign acts Ssaulabi Performance Troupe, from South Korea, opera singer Innocent Masuku, from South Africa (now living in London), and Japanese stunt skippers Haribow.
They will take on magician Jack Rhodes, from Ulverston, Cumbria, impressionist Mike Woodhams, from Harpenden, St Albans, and singing Londoner Sydnie Christmas.
Last night’s semi-final featured four more acts from abroad, including Amanda’s pick, a wacky impressionist from Japan called Nabe, who uses his hair to create characters.
Also coming up tonight are Japanese dance troupe Cyber Agent Legit, who Simon used his golden buzzer on.
It comes as The Sun revealed last week that ITV plans to supersize the show from 2025, extending the run and going from February to May.
How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetimeIn the past, Simon has defended the influx of international acts, telling The Sun: “When someone comes from another country with something we think our audience will love there’s no reason not to put them on.
“I like the mixture of the Brits and the rest of the world because for me it makes it more of a competition.
"I’m going to call it the ‘Talent Olympics’.”
Japanese dance troupe Cyber Agent Legit are Simon’s favourite, they will compete in tonight’s semi-finalCredit: RexJapanese artist Nabe, who uses his hair to create characters, had received Amanda’s golden buzzer and was in last night’s semiCredit: RexTwo finalists are chosen from each semi-final — one by viewer vote and one selected by the judges from viewers’ second and third choices.
Acts from abroad have been a part of the competition since the show began in 2007, but the number of people jetting in has massively increased over the years.
The first run saw just two overseas acts, but by series six in 2012 that number had reached double figures, and it has not gone back down since.
A BGT spokesman 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.
“It’s because of these incredible acts that BGT has a reputation globally for being the greatest talent show on television, and we will continue to welcome an array of brilliant acts for future series.”
Singing impressionist Mike Woodhams, from Herts, had the audience in raptures with his take on everyone from Macy Gray to James Blunt and even BGT’s Amanda HoldenCredit: RexThe bookies’ favourite, receptionist Sydnie Christmas, from London, has been trying to make it in the West End for yearsCredit: RexSimon declared clever illusionist and close-up magician Jack Rhodes, from Cumbria, his favourite after his semi-final skit full of twists, turns and tricksCredit: RexLucy Heath from Grantham, Lincs, performed with her quartet of dancing dogs, The TrickstarsCredit: RexTiny dancer Trey Braine, ten, from Hackney, East London, also didn’t make the cut despite performing a homage to former winners DiversityCredit: RexFans also thought singer Taryn Charles, 39, from Egham, Surrey, was 'robbed'Credit: RexAlesha Dixon’s special pick, Ravi’s Dream Team, didn’t make the finalCredit: RexBGT judges Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Simon CowellCredit: Rex