At the end of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations it was time to settle down in front of the TV and watch the finals of ITV's Britain's Got Talent. But the show was not without its drama.
As the programme came down to the final three, the battle was between singer Tom Ball, comedian Axel Blake, and teen ventriloquist Jamie Leahy. The big prize - the accolade of taking the winner's status, a cash prize of £250,000, and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.
It was Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, funny-man Axel Blake, who finally scooped the crown as winner of Britain's Got Talent 2022. However, viewers watching at home were left divided on the win, according to Manchester Evening News, after it emerged after his stand-up audition that he had his own show on Amazon Prime Video.
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The comedy special, which is currently unavailable to watch, was filmed from his 2018 headline show I'm Not Gonna Lie at the Indigo at the O2 in London. He also stars in the romantic film Loves Spell on Amazon Prime Video.
Taking to social media, one viewer wrote: "The shows have always showcased talent, however this appears to be a fix… he has his own show already?!" Another complained: "Not really fair Axel won BGT as he's already out there." And someone else joined in: "Can someone tell me, how someone like Axel Blake, who had his own TV show on @primevideouk to appear on @BGT and win it." Another added: "Axel Blake has already had an Amazon Prime special. He’s not a new talent. That’s not what #bgt is about #BGTFinal."
On the other side of opinion, one fan of the show said: "Well done Axel, a worthy winner! Also well done to Jamie, you should be so proud of yourself and I am certain you will go on to be a superstar!" Jamie Leahy came second in the contest performing with his chicken puppet Chuck.
Another viewer agreed with the choice: "I am well pleased with that result for Axel Blake. Massive fan of his. Amazing. Well done fella", they wrote, with another adding: "So pleased for Axel the Comedian on #BGt glad ppl voted for him. Times are changing and being on Spotify, Amazon or on a YouTube Channel do not equate to big bucks or success. Twitter Trolls need to get real."
But alongside the winner's joy, there was heartache as the pressure of the show final appeared to get to rapper/pianist duo Flintz & Taylor. Flintz forgot some of his lyrics. But hosts Ant and Dec were quick to offer their support.
Flintz & Taylor first connected online in 2020 during the first Covid-19 lockdown. The pair only met in person for the first time at their audition earlier this year, according to Birmingham Live.
As Alesha Dixon's golden buzzer act, they sailed straight through to the live semi-finals to face judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon.
Taking to the stage for the final time, the duo performed an original track inspired by their BGT journey so far. But disaster struck near the start of the song when Flintz stumbled over the words.
Flintz was left wiping tears away as Alesha told him: "Artist to artist, it doesn't matter whatever anyone tells you tonight, you're going to feel bad and I know what that feels like. You're going to come off stage and you're going to beat yourself up about this. But, let me tell you something right now; what you've done, what you guys have achieved together on this show far outweighs any teeny tiny mistake up there."
The BGT judge added: "And I promise you this, you are going to inspire so many other kids to get out and do what they want and fight because this music industry is hard. And I'm telling you now boys, this is just the beginning."
Ant and Dec then offered their own words of advice, with Ant telling an emotional Flintz: "It doesn't get better than working with your best friend, trust me. Just enjoy it, enjoy it."
