The glitz, glam, and tension of the Britain's Got Talent live shows returned on Monday night for the first time in two years. Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were back on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo for the first of the ITV show's five semi-finals.
They were joined by judges Amanda Holden, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, and Simon Cowell as they and the viewers whittle down the huge number of acts to just 10 ahead of the grand final which airs on Sunday (June 5).
The first show of the week saw 77-year-old singer Mel Day, the London Community Gospel Choir, magic act The Witches, impressionist Suzi Wild, and dance group Born To Perform among those taking to the stage.
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However, it was busker Maxwell Thorpe and 13-year-old ventriloquist Jamie Leahey who made it through to the next - and final - round. The pair advanced to the final of the talent competition after receiving the most audience votes on Monday following a night of electrifying performances.
Maxwell was put straight through after receiving the most audience votes while Jamie initially went head-to-head with 23-year-old magician Junwoo, but the judges’ vote was split evenly between the pair. The decision was then ultimately returned to the public and the number of audience votes where it was revealed the youngster had scored more.
Earlier in the show, however, Ant and Dec had said they had some "big" news for viewers at home about how people can vote this year. The Geordie duo said: "RIP to the BGT A P P."
David added his thoughts, commenting: "It's boring, it was so boring hearing you talk about it every day. No app, fantastic!" But Ant quickly interrupted him and said: "The app may have gone but there's a brand new way to vote this year." Dec explained: "Now you can vote online for free, just visit the website, or scan the QR code on screen. We have got a QR code, in your face David!"
But it actually didn't go down well with BGT viewers. @teenamassam tweeted: "I prefer the app not the flipping QR code…#BGT." @Baker_BCFC said: "What's the point in the QR code. App was better."
That, however, wasn't the main issue viewers faced. @PastelUnicorn5 said: "If they want me to use the QR code, they need to show it to me for longer than 5 seconds #BGT #BritainsGotTalent." @BobBobbymalton tweeted: "If you want us to VOTE can you please leave the QR Code on screen a bit longer Please! #BGT."
@craggleprice commented: "The telephone number and QR code came up on that tv way too quick and went as quickly…#bgt no one going to be able to get their cameras out fast enough to scan the QR code or even write the number down." @paulmmace added: "Show the QR code longer on screen please by the time I get of the sofa the qrcode has disappeared."
The second live semi-final will take place tonight, Tuesday, and will feature another eight acts including more young talent. Acts include schoolboy comedian Dante Marvin, Voices of the Armed Forces Children Choir, and nine-year old magician Ryland Petty.
