Britain's Got Talent, Saturday 7.45pm, ITV1
Posted by Jane Murphy
The new series of Britain's Got Talent started with a bang as security officer Manjit blew up a hot water bottle until it exploded in his face, and received a standing ovation for his efforts. Then, just to prove he was no one-trick pony, the 59-year-old dragged a truck across the stage using only his left ear. Could it be game over already? Surely this is exactly the kind of act the Queen and Prince Philip would love to see at this year's Royal Variety Performance. No?
Still, by the end of the hour-and-a-half-long show, Manjit's performance had been more than matched by several other memorable contestants. At the Glasgow auditions, for instance, student James tried get into the Guinness Book of Records by eating the most Ferrero Rocher in a minute.
Unfortunately, nerves got to him, and he only managed to eat four - so the world record of seven (yes, seven!) still stands. Except, of course, it was probably broken 1,000 times over on Saturday night as viewers across the land attempted to better James's efforts. (Oh ITV, with this shameless product placement, you are really spoiling us.)
Sadly, James didn't impress the judges enough to make it through to the next round - and he wasn't alone. "Street pirate" Adrian, whose act involved cutting up various fruit and veg with a chainsaw, was sent packing after just a few seconds. Jason the unicyclist was voted off after falling off his cycle at every turn. And Edmund the impressionist was given the thumbs-down because nobody could tell who he was trying to impersonate.
However, Saturday night's show was stolen by two incredible (I think that's the right word) women. If you've picked up a tabloid over the past few days, you'll already have seen 35-year-old stripper Fabia, whose eye-popping nipple tassels caused all three judges to blush.
But for me, the outright star was 47-year-old Susan, who initially displayed all the signs of being a textbook no-hoper: admitting she's never been kissed, indulging in squirm-inducing flirting with Simon Cowell, saying she wants to be the next Elaine Paige...
But then she belted out a show-stopping rendition of 'I Dreamed A Dream' from Les Miserables, and the mood changed completely. "That was the biggest 'yes' Piers has ever given," Ant or Dec (I forget which) told her afterwards. Congratulations, Susan: a star is born!
Picture: ITV
SEE ALSO:
More Britain's Got Talent contestants >>
Simon Cowell: "I'm so gorgeous" >>
Top 10s, quizzes and nostalgia: visit our TV vault >>
I along with my wife was moved to tears when Susan began to sing.I hope that she is managed well and has great success with the rest of her life,GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE.
Posted by: H Griffiths | 15 April 2009 at 18:57
Sammi-why is it always about appearance? Can't someone just be great and we don't judge what she looks like?!!!why is that the first thing people assume? she doesn't look the part so she must be rubbish and then it's 'amazing', because she isn't semi-naked and young.She was great but Britain need s to focus less on how people look and enjoy actual talent!
Posted by: annie | 14 April 2009 at 17:35
Hmm... not sure I'd say she has the 'voice of an angel'Annie, I mean she was suprisingly good given all of our initial low expectations however, she wasn't amazing. I am looking forward to that makeover though!
Posted by: Sammi | 14 April 2009 at 17:27
who'd have thought it eh...an ugly person who can sing.
But lets be honest, as good as she was, it wasnt fantastic. The fact she was weird and ugly seems to overshadow those bum notes.
Be careful how these tv shows may fool you ..Paul Potts for instance was protrayed as the shy butchers son who never got a break. Rags to riches. when actually in real life , he was a very strong, vocifrous (sometimes needlessly agressive) local councillor, incredibly fame hungary and outgoing and constantly taking any opportunity to show off. ( he was our local councillor for a while)
Posted by: potato | 14 April 2009 at 12:46
What a wonderful voice Susan
Boyle has. Lets hope she gets the chance she deserves to prove herself. We should never let looks influence our judgement.
BEST OF LUCK SUSAN. XX
Posted by: June | 14 April 2009 at 00:33
As soon as Susan started to sing all the hairs on my arms stood up. She has an amazing voice. It would appear she has looked after her 90 year old mother until she passed away and that is to her credit. it is her turn to shine now and I really hope she has a long and successful career. She has been blessed with an incredible voice.
Posted by: Francine | 13 April 2009 at 23:31
Rojer the union jacks were superimposed to cover Fabia's nipple tazzles. I don't know what was exposed from behind but there was a huge union jack over her behind too, maybe because it was so big it was considered indecent.
Posted by: Elbel | 13 April 2009 at 12:18
Rojer the union jacks were superimposed to cover Fabia's nipple tazzles. I don't know what was exposed from behind but there was a huge union jack over her ass too, maybe because it was so big it was considered indecent. How a stripper got through to the next round on a family show is beyond me. Was interesting to watch though.
Posted by: Elbel | 13 April 2009 at 12:17
It was Piers who gave Susan the biggest 'yes' he'd ever given, not Simon. That aside, Susan's performance was stunning! I've listened to renditions by others of the song 'I have a dream' on YouTube and Susan's is way up there. Flawless were great too, as was Elliott in the family group. He has a really promising solo career if he's allowed to go it alone. As for Flavia(?) the stripper, I think I saw a photo on line, maybe from a red-top, with just the tassels. She can't win with that act but I think Piers is in lust...
Posted by: Candleflower | 13 April 2009 at 12:15
Like every veiwer, I was delighted by Susan, awed by Majit, and impressed by the performance of Flawless.
However, bearing in mind this is a family show, did we need a stiptease act on it?
Was she actually displaying her mammary glands? The union jack covering these seem to have been superimposed on by the show, was this so, or had Fabia actually done this? Please can someone tell me so that I can stop wondering as to what level of decency was abused.
Thanks
Posted by: Roger | 13 April 2009 at 11:27
yes as a society we are all very sterotypical and judgemental
Posted by: dola | 13 April 2009 at 11:09
Susan was amazing the voice of an angel full of promise with a make over she will be great I shall support her all the way, another paul Potts. GOOD LUCK SUSAN
Posted by: annie | 13 April 2009 at 10:12
Just shows how people dimiss someone who does not fit the profile.
Susan was absolutely amazing and outstanding. A fantastic voice and a true star in her own right. I hope that she wins and performs in front of the Royals.
As for the Stripper, get a grip girl and put them away, not nice.
Posted by: Christine | 13 April 2009 at 09:36
Yes I agree with your comments,I think everyone thought oh dear when she appeared on stage,but oh what a shock,her voice was amazing,as were Flawless,living up to their name!!
Posted by: pat | 13 April 2009 at 08:58
I have to agree - Susan was absolutely fantastic!!! I really do wish her well in the show and cannot wait to hear her sing again. Flawless were also very good but definitely Susan was the star of the night.
Posted by: jilly | 12 April 2009 at 16:56