Simon Cowell wants 20 contestants in the Britain’s Got Talent 2018 final

Simon Cowell reckons there should be 20 acts in the Britain’s Got Talent 2018 final after several hotly-tipped hopefuls were eliminated in the latest live show.

The ITV talent contest’s third semi-final took place tonight, and it was the most competitive yet.

Comedy musician Robert White went straight through to the grand final after topping the public vote.

A battle between not one, but TWO Golden Buzzer acts then ended with the judges’ vote being split 2-2.

Therefore, Gruffydd Wyn Roberts, Amanda Holden’s Golden pick, went through with the second-most public votes – while magician Marc Spelmann, Ant and Dec’s pick, was sent home.

Some other favourites in the competition, including Manchester dancers Rise Unbroken and singer Aleksandar Mileusnic, also faced an early exit.

The tough results were branded a “bummer” by head honcho Simon on ITV2 spin-off Britain’s Got Talent afterwards.

“I think what tonight proved is that what you do on the night changes everything,” he commented. “It’s was so unpredictable.

“There were so many acts tonight, genuinely, I don’t normally say this, who should have got through to the final.

“It is a bit of a bummer that we’ve lost about three or four acts who I would have loved in the final. Maybe we just make the final 20 people?”

The race to victory is so tight that Simon isn’t sure he can call it.

“I always like a competition where you’re not sure what’s gonna happen,” he added. “I am not gonna stick my neck out on anyone.”

While 20 finalists may be a bit much, there is hope for the unlucky contestants who haven’t made it.

Simon previously confirmed that, as usual, the judges will bring one of them back as a ‘wild card’.

He has also teased a ‘big surprise’ for the winner, in addition to the usual £250,000 jackpot.

Fans have speculated it could involve an appearance on America’s Got Talent, which will air a global ‘all-stars’ edition next year.

Britain’s Got Talent’s live semi-finals continue tomorrow and Friday at 7.30pm and 9.30pm on ITV, ahead of the grand final on Sunday.