The first Britain’s Got Talent semi-final was thrown into chaos, leaving Simon Cowell fuming. Things quickly fell apart when the second act of the night was due to go on stage – but hosts Ant and Dec let the judges know that the schedule wasn’t going to be stuck to.
In the chaotic moment, Teddy Magic was all set up to appear after a long introduction, but the stage remained empty. It wasn’t made clear why the schoolboy wasn’t able to deliver his act, but most of the judges were understandably forgiving towards the eight-year-old.
Simon, however, didn’t let Teddy’s age soften him. Ant announced: “Now, Teddy isn’t quite ready backstage yet…so we’re just going to chat to you judges-” while Dec explained: “We’re going to have a little change of plan.” His double act interrupted: “Just while he gets himself ready and composed backstage.”
The pair ad-libbed on the spot, asking Simon what he thought of the first act. Instead of answering the question, he retorted: “Wait, so the act’s not ready?” Dec confirmed that Teddy needed more time, with Simon remaining straight-faced as he said: “Well that’s okay, it’s live.”
“He’s only eight years old, so back off!” Ant urged, with the head judge repeating: “It’s fine, it’s fine. If he’s not ready, he’s not ready.” Despite his words Simon didn’t seem very impressed, with the crowd booing at his reaction. He then asked: “Why are they booing?”
Hinting that he wasn’t as chilled as he’d tried to make out, Simon added: “You’ve got to be ready. We’re fine,” as Ant declared: “He’s got to get ready.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, many fans agreed with Ant as he told Simon to bend the rules a bit for the super young contestant. “Give Teddy a break Simon. He’s obviously got nervous. It may be a TV show; but you have a duty of care as well,” one viewer wrote.
“I hope Teddy is okay. Ant & Dec yet again prove their professionalism, knowing how to fill up the void and get the show going when things don’t go to plan,” a second praised of the hosts.
Some fans even suggested that the moment was a prime example of why talent shows should be adults-only, with one writing: “Teddy is having a breakdown. This is why it’s cruel to put youngsters through this when they aren’t ever going to win.”
Back when Teddy first auditioned, he blew away the judges as he magically took the fizz out of a shaken up orange drink before magically making a champagne bottle pop with out touching it. His impressive act blew away the judges and the audience at Blackpool, receiving a standing ovation from all those in the Winter Gardens.
After his jaw-dropping audition, KSI told the little boy: “Teddy, I’m just in awe of what I’ve just seen. It’s incredible, you’re so confident. You’re already a star at your age and I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. That was amazing.”
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