Britain's Got Talent viewers were left horrified this evening as Simon Cowell appeared to imply that the Queen could die before the Royal Variety Performance.
Probably not the best timing during the Platinum Jubilee!
The media mogul had been reacting to comedian Ben Nickless' incredible performance on the ITV show this evening, which received a well-earned standing ovation.
He said: "Thank you, by the way, for reminding us what - I know the money's important and the bragging rights of winning are important but actually this year, more than any, anyone who gets the chance to perform... please god it is the Queen [at the Royal Variety]!"
But viewers were left shocked, with one commenting: "Whoaaaa what did simon mean by that? Is the queen on deaths door or something? #BGT."
While another questioned: "Did Simon just reveal that he's the Grim Reaper responsible for Queenie's demise? bit suggestive like."
A third wrote: "Simon's remark about The Queen is awfully #BGT #BGTFinal #BritainsGotTalent."
While another commented: "did simon just wish the queen dead im cackling #BGT."
But others pointed out that he was likely referring to whether her health would allow her to attend, with one commenting: "Nah think he meant because usually the queen don’t attend these days it’s usually William or Phillip or someone like that."
While another commented: "It was meant in regards to her attendance -Not if she is still alive. She last attended in 2012 - it’s always attended by a member of the Royal Family - not necessarily the Queen. Given jubilee year I think he meant he hopes it’s her."
Tonight, the ITV show sought to crown its 2022 winner, who not only would bag £250,000 but would obtain a spot at the Royal Variety performance.
The winner of tonight's show will follow in the footsteps of singer-comedian Jon Courtenay, who won not only won viewers over in 2020 but also won hosts Ant and Dec over as he was their Golden Buzzer act.
He returned on Friday with a brand new song and couldn't resist making a jibe at Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Only three of the five Golden Buzzer acts made it through to the final tonight - Alesha's singing duo T4ylor and Flintz, Amanda's incredible vocalist Loren Allred and Simon's comedian Axel Blake.
Joining them were young ventriloquist Jamie Leahey, busker Maxwell Thorpe, comedian Ben Nickless, singer Tom Ball, comedian Eva Abley, dance group 5 Star Boys and wildcard act Amber and the Dancing Collies.
*Britain's Got Talent is available on ITV Hub
