Britain’s Got Talent’s Amanda Holden hits back at fan complaints over ‘unfair’ acts, saying new series is ‘home grown’
BRITAIN'S Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has revealed the acts in the new series of the ITV show will reveal more 'home grown' talent.
Last year, viewers of the hit talent programme were left furious after a number of 'unfair' acts hit the live show line-up.
Viewers of Britain's Got Talent were disappointed last year to see a number of 'professional' acts taking to the stage.
BGT fans slammed the final as a "fix" after comic Axel Blake was crowned the winner of the 15th series, despite already appearing on his own Amazon show, Axel Blake: I'm Not Gonna Lie.
While previously in the series, singer Loren Allred was given a golden buzzer pass to the final by Amanda, 51, despite being the voice behind The Greatest Showman hit Never Enough.
Fans furiously took to social media to complain it was "unfair" and dub the show "a fix" as she too sailed through the show.
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However, ahead of the new series of the ITV show this weekend, Amanda has insisted there are more "home grown" acts than ever.
Hinting at former fan backlash, she teased of the auditions soon to hit the screens: "It feels more home grown [this year].
"It feels like stuff people would be doing in their bedrooms and less professionals this year, but the standard is still exceptionally high.
"Last year, we had a lot of people who had struggled professionally because of lockdown - a lot of people that needed to remind themselves and their audience that they could do it.
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"It was great for us to give them that platform after what had been a very tough time for performers.
"But this year, I think it's evened out again and it's back to more amateur, home grown people queuing up and coming in."
It comes after the start date of Britain's Got Talent was finally confirmed ahead of the opening show this weekend.
The first show is set to air on Saturday April 15, while the second episode comes hot on its heels the following day, airing on Sunday April 16 at 7.45pm.
The line-up of judges has been overhauled, with ex Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli, 67, joining the panel.