Britain's Got Talent hit with complaints over Thomas Vu's fire act
He set himself on fire as he attempted a Rubix Cube
The 15th series of Britain's Got Talent hit our screens last weekend, as former Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno Tonioli made his debut on the judging panel. And although acts such as Malakai Bayoh, Ghetto Kids, and Nathan and Joanne impressed the judges and viewers at home, one act in particular left a very sour taste.
On Sunday night's episode, stunt performer Thomas Vu took to the stage in an attempt to solve a Rubix Cube, whilst setting himself on fire in the process.
During the performance, judges Simon, Amanda, Alesha and Bruno were visibly shocked at the stunt, with many viewers taking to Twitter to complain about the dangerous moment.
One wrote: 'Absolutely disgraceful to show this on a "family" show', with another adding: 'Before the watershed. Not the best decision to show this at 20:55'. (sic)
A third then commented: 'Nope, not cool. Putting that as a 'surprise' in the middle of a show that features child performers with a young audience? At the very least you should make it perfectly clear beforehand that he's a pro stuntman and warning people there'll be fire involved'. (sic)
Another wrote: 'Totally ill considered showing a guy setting himself on fire whilst solving a rubix cube. No thought to the fact impressionable children watch this show', with another annoyed viewer writing: 'Nothing good about that 😡😡😡 should not of been shown on TV! No point to it at all 😡 just lots of little kids watching! Bad decision BGT'. (sic)
Now, according to The Mirror, UK communications regulator Ofcom has received over 300 complaints about the act, despite all four judges saying "yes", meaning Thomas made it through to the next round.
Check out all of the former Britain's Got Talent winners below:
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Sydnie Christmas
Sydnie Christmas won the 2024 series of Britain's Got Talent, the singer who dreams of performing on the West End told Ant and Dec: "I cannot believe the amount of love that I've felt since it aired. I am overwhelmed with love and it is the most amazing thing.
"And I wish for one day that every single person in this room feels the way I do one day with this love. It's amazing, thank you so much!"
In other BGT news, both Simon and new judge Bruno used their Golden Buzzers during the opening weekend!
Whilst Simon chose to hit his buzzer for 13-year-old singer Malakai Bayoh, Bruno pressed his buzzer mid-way through dance troupe Ghetto Kids' energetic routine, leaving them stunned.
Britain's Got Talent airs every Saturday night at 8pm on ITV and STV.
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