BGT slammed for ‘distasteful’ intro mocking news segment after Rageh Omaar fell ill on air
BRITAIN'S Got Talent have been slated by furious fans after a 'distateful' opening saw ITV News 'urgently' break into programming with a news update.
The ITV talent contest saw its opening replaced with an ITV News intro before newscaster Charlene White appeared on-screen appearing to deliver breaking news to the nation.
However, it soon transpired to be an ill-timed stunt that saw the judges being hounded in a fake press conference made up of children.
The moment left ITV viewers panicked that there was terrible news to update the nation on particularly given the news presenter Rageh Omaar's ill health live on air last night.
Others were also left fearing it was a news update regarding King Charles amid his current battle given that programmes have been interrupted by news coverage in the past where there is a serious health update regarding a member of the Royal Family.
The skit has sparked furore online by viewers who have blasted the broadcaster for the awfully-timed inclusion of the sketch.
More on BGT
Slamming the show online, one disgraced viewer said: "A bit distasteful to start with a itv news after last night."
Another echoed: "I wish they wouldn’t keep doing that fake Breaking News bit on #BritainsGotTalent especially with the stuff that happened with Rageh Omaar yesterday #bgt."
A third penned: "Hi i'm just back to tweet that the itv news intro into #BGT shit me up thinking there was some breaking news. Okay bye for now again."
Someone else went on to say: "The way I thought a royal just died."
Before a fifth chimed in to write: "#BritainsGotTalent ITV have lost the plot!
Viewers were on high alert after News at Ten star Rageh Omaar was left requiring urgent medical care after falling ill live on air.
The 56-year-old presenter was fronting the flagship bulletin last night when he sparked concern as he appeared shaky on screen and struggled to get his words out.
He completed the broadcast, but a repeat of the programme was pulled from ITV's +1 channel, and a spokesperson revealed medics were treating him.
But some viewers - including medical professionals watching - were furious with ITV and its news production arm ITN, for not replacing Rageh on the show when it was clear he was not well.
Speaking out today, Rageh said in a statement: “I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and good wishes, especially all the medical staff, all my wonderful colleagues at ITV News, and our viewers who expressed concern.
"At the time, I was determined to finish presenting the programme. I am grateful for all the support I've been given."
Timeline of BGT Winners
Britain's Got Talent has been thrilling fans since it burst onto the scene in 2007.
Here we take a look at all the BGT winners - from the first ever one to the most recent:
2007: Paul Potts - The first ever winner of BGT was opera singer Paul Potts. He saw off competition from Connie Talbot, The Bar Wizards, Bessie Cursors, Damon Scott and Kombat Breakers to win.
2008: George Sampson - In series two of Britain’s Got Talent a young George Sampson wowed judges and viewers with his impressive dance moves.
2009: Diversity - Dance troupe Diversity scooped the BGT crown and beat of competition from singer , who was strongly tipped to win the show.
2010 - Spellbound: Gymnastic troupe Spellbound really impressed judge Simon Cowell with their stunning routines and incredible stunts in 2010. At the time, the music mogul said: “I can only say on live television that was one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen.”
2011 - Jai McDowall: Viewers were stunned when Jai McDowall won the show in 2011, as young singer Ronan Parke was the favourite to win the series.
2012 - Ashleigh and Pudsy: Ashleigh Butler and her adorable pooch Pudsey stole hearts when they performed in series six of the talent show.
2013 - Attraction: Hungarian shadow artist group Attraction won the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent. The squad had taken part in the German version of BGT in 2012, however, they had only placed seventh.
2014 - Collabro: Classical music band Collabro faced tough competition in the 2014 final as all the finalist were singers, but they went on to scoop the crown.
2015 - Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse: Dog lovers everywhere could't get enough of Jules O’Dwyer and pet pup Matisse. The impressive duo even performed on a tightrope to secure their win.
2016 - Richard Jones: Army man Richard Jones became the first magician in the show’s history to win Britain’s Got Talent.
2017 - Tokio Myers: Pianist Tokio Myers impressed the judges with his blend of classical and electronic music.
2018 - Lost Voice Guy: Stand-up comedian Lost Voice Guy, who performs with a speech synthesiser, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was six months old. However, he defied the odds and is a BGT champ.
2019 - Colin Thackery: Veteran army officer Colin Thackery warmed the nations hearts with his singing voice. He was crowned winner of BGT after singing Michael Ball's Love Changes Everything.
2020 - Jon Courtenay: Singer and pianist Jon Courtenay was Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer act. After he won the £250,000 prize he said: ""Just amazing, I can't believe it."
2022 - Axel Blake: Comedian Axel Blake scooped the crown after the show was off air for two years during Covid.
2023 - Viggo Venn: The reigning BGT champ is comedian Viggo Venn.