Britain's Got Talent hit with more issues Ant and Dec announce major change

The first Live semi-final was. After act Teddy Magic wasn't ready for his performance - the show was hit with yet another issue as they faced technical difficulties.

LED dance and illusion act The Blackouts were scheduled to take to the stage during the semi-finals, however, Ant and Dec revealed the show was having technical difficulties, and had to cut to the judges instead.

Disaster struck the long-running show for the first live semi-final of the season - that title along causing some confusion for viewers as semi-finals will seemingly be held over the forthcoming weeks rather than simply being the show before the grand final. The second act of the night was due to be eight-year-old magician Teddy.

With judges , Alisha Dixon, and seated to cast their opinions on the child performer's latest set of tricks, hosts and turned serious as they addressed the judges and live studio audience. The youngster previously wowed the judges during an earlier audition when he popped a bottle of champagne without touching it and showcased powers of telepathy during a card trick.

But on Saturday night, Ant and Dec revealed he needed a little more time to prepare himself before taking to the stage. Swiftly moving on, the show was thrown into further chaos minutes later when dance act The Blackouts were held up by technical issues. Head judge Simon appeared enraged as the two acts caused issues for the first live semi-final of the season.

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Viewers were a little more sympathetic, however, as many took to social media to express their hope that Teddy was ok after it was hinted he was struggling with the pressure of performing on live TV. One wrote on X: "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."

And another typed: "Poor lad. I bet he is really stressed out. His tricks are not ready. Come on lad. We're all rooting for you." The Blackouts won rapturous applause after they took to the stage following the resolution of their technical issues - and even won a live show golden buzzer from Amanda, propelling them straight to the grand final.

The decision to introduce a golden buzzer provoked a backlash from viewers, however, as some felt it could lead to a grand finale populated purely by judges golden buzzer choices rather than contestants voted there by viewers. Those watching at home also complained that the live studio audience were unbearably loud as they screamed at the judges to hit the buzzer after every act appeared on stage.

Many took to X to complain about the new twist. One wrote: "the golden buzzer in the semi finals already causing havoc cause the audience won’t shut up #bgt." And another complained: "Will this audience shut up #BGT."

Many viewers hit out over the decision to introduce a golden buzzer during the live semi final rounds. One wrote: "#BGT so basically the judges may as well ljust pick the finalists and forget about the semis ... what a joke."

Another typed: "A live show golden buzzer is completely unnecessary. What if she doesn’t press it at all? #BGT." And another raged: "#BGT in other words it's so the judges can fix it!"

Others took to social media to blast the format of multiple semi final shows stretched over more than a month. One complained, writing: "So every Saturday for the next 6 weeks, is the Semi Final episodes #BGT."

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