Britain’s Got Talent 2019 could face action from Ofcom after viewers complained about The Haunting’s semi-final performance – and Amanda Holden’s swearing.
The ITV talent contest sparked controversy during its first live show of the series last night.
Among the contestants was spooky magic act The Haunting, who picked up from their audition by reuniting Amanda with the spectre of Agatha.
Once again, Amanda was taken the basement of the theatre, where she encountered Agatha’s 11-year-old daughter – who disappeared and snuck up on her.
A large mirror then randomly shattered, with Agatha emerging from the wreckage and leading her back upstairs.
Amanda was clearly on edge after the frightening experience, resulting in a live television disaster.
When frontwoman Elizabeth grabbed Amanda and spun her around on stage, the terrified judge reacted by screaming: “F**k!”
Scores of viewers have reacted to the terrifying display by getting in touch with Ofcom.
This afternoon, the media regulator confirmed it has received a total of 192 complaints over the incident.
154 people accused The Haunting’s act of being too scary for a family audience, while the other 38 took issue with Amanda’s bad language.
The performance took place just after 8pm – well before the 9pm watershed.
Chiefs will now decide whether or not to launch an official inquiry.
“We are assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate,” said an Ofcom spokesperson.
Presenters Ant and Dec, BGT boss Simon Cowell and Amanda herself all said sorry for the unexpected F-bomb.
“We’d like to apologise if you heard any bad language there from Amanda. She was very, very scared, as you can see,” commented Ant.
“I just really want to apologise if I said anything… I said a really terrible word,” Amanda continued. “There’s kids watching, so massive apologies.”
“I know we’re gonna get in trouble over this, apologies for the swearing,” added Simon.
Britain’s Got Talent continues with its second semi-final tonight at 7.30pm on ITV.
