Britain’s Got Talent semi-final descends into chaos with children left in tears
A BRITAIN’S Got Talent semi-final descended into chaos – after tearful children were turned away at the doors because it was oversubscribed.
Bosses working for ticketing firm ApplauseStore purposefully allocate too many tickets in case of mass dropouts so viewers don’t see reams of empty seats on screen at home.
But due to the week-long semi-finals being held in the half-term holidays, more people turned up than they had accounted for, leaving kids in floods of tears.
A source said: “There’s been loads of adverts and emails sent out urging people to sign up for the BGT live shows for the semis.
"Lots of parents clearly had the same idea and signed up and headed to London for the day.
“But loads and loads of people were left disappointed and it was utter mayhem.
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"Some had been down there since 6am hoping to get a glimpse of their favourite acts, but were left gutted when they were told it was full up.”
The terms and conditions on the free tickets say in the small print that “sadly” the organisers cannot guarantee everyone who turns up will get in, but that they have to “over-issue” due to potential no-shows.
And as a result they say that in order to get a full venue, it is first-come, first-served.
But one disappointed audience member told The Sun: “It’s meant to be a family show.
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"But the system is a load of crap. You wouldn’t over-sell for a gig or a cinema screening, so why do it for a TV show?
"Loads of excited parents had planned days out for their kids and have been left very disappointed.
“It was mayhem, and loads of kids were crying.”
A spokesman from ApplauseStore said: “As is standard practice, tickets are over-allocated to cover for the occasions when people fail to turn up for a free event.
“Ticket numbers are carefully considered, and we make it very clear that ticket-holders will not always be guaranteed entry.
“It’s very rare the audience are disappointed, and we’re pleased to have been able to seat over 2,700 people to enjoy the show last night.”
Nadiya’s feeling the heat
NADIYA HUSSAIN has revealed that the pressure to be “perfect” keeps her up at night.
She became a huge role model after winning Bake Off in 2015 but says it “wears heavy”.
In an interview for , out today, Nadiya said: “I’m not going to say I take it in my stride and it’s really easy, because it’s tough. Everybody wants to see the perfect version of you within every community, and I’m definitely not perfect.”
If she wants tips on how to relax, she might want to ask her TV mentor Paul Hollywood.
He said on The Travel Diaries podcast: “Sometimes, when I can’t sleep, I try and remember all the Bake Off winners. I go through them all in my head.”
I’m sure you haunt some of their dreams too, Paul.
The big 40
THE old adage would have you believing it’s all downhill when you hit 40.
But yesterday telly presenter Steph McGovern proved otherwise when her showbiz friends gatecrashed her programme to celebrate.
Former BBC Breakfast colleague Louise Minchin took over the last part of Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch to chart the life and times of her pal.
An emotional Steph said: “I wouldn’t be who I am without the people around me… I’m nothing special, I’m just a product of everyone around me.”
Celebrity pals turned out to wish her a great day, too.
Dawn French said: “I want to thank you for throwing your pants at me all those years ago and forging the friendship that we have, which I love.
Anyway, it’s your 60th birthday and you’re looking good on it, kid!”
Kerry Katona added: “You’re an amazing inspiration, you’re just a bit like me, really… awesome.”
And DJ Chris Evans asked the birthday girl: “Do you remember when you fancied my wife more than I did?”
It seems that you didn’t need to turn 40 to become naughty, Steph!
Memoir trips up Dolly
HER memoir Everything I Know About Love chronicled the most cringeworthy events of her past – but says it’s nothing like seeing them re-enacted on screen.
The BBC’s “inspired by” drama based on Dolly’s adventures sees The Witcher’s Emma Appleton play Maggie in scenes packed with drug-taking, nudity and raucous parties.
But Dolly said: “What was trippy was when I was in Maggie’s childhood home, cutting out pictures of Will Young to put on the wall.
“And when the most embarrassing thing to happen in my romantic life ever was re-enacted.
“It was trippy putting ratty pants on the radiator in a very specific way.”
Trips just aren’t what they were in my day
Watch the series from June 7 at 10.45pm on BBC One, or catch every episode on BBC iPlayer.
Laura's a club singer
LOVE Island lovelies aren’t usually known for their vocals, so it’s no surprise Laura Anderson needed a little help with her next venture.
The former air hostess has tapped up pop star boyfriend Dane Bowers to prepare for her turn on ITV2’s Celebrity Karaoke Club, which returns on Monday.
She said: “My singing voice is a solid four.
“Then I had a little practice in the house and started picking songs.
“Dane was overhearing and said I was good. He said I should just go with it and be confident.
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“I was thinking about X Factor and Simon Cowell – he always used to say that it came down to a good song choice.”
Err . . . I reckon talent might help too, Laura.
Wielding their rods
BOB MORTIMER and Paul Whitehouse will be back for a fifth series of Gone Fishing.
And the pair have a new co-star on board – a terrier called Ted.
The pair will be wielding their rods across the UK, but if you can’t wait until it airs later this year, you can catch up on all four series on BBC iPlayer.