Angry viewers have labelled Britain’s Got Talent a “fix” and a “joke” after youth street-dance troupe DVJ, coached by former winner Ashley Banjo, were sent sailing through the auditions.
Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon joined the audience in a standing ovation after the group’s stunning performance on the series curtain-raiser.
But several people accused the ITV talent show of giving them an “unfair” advantage when the youngsters, aged between 10 and 18, revealed that DVJ stood for “Diversity Juniors”.
They also announced at the end of their routine that their mentor and choreographer was Ashley Banjo.
The dancer and TV star triumphed with Diversity on the 2009 series, beating Susan Boyle in the final, and was in the wings during last night’s episode watching his young prodigies on stage.
That was super fly DVJ, we should have known @AshleyBanjo had something to do with it #BritainsGotTalent #BGT @BGT pic.twitter.com/HwDn6H9Cie
— ITV (@ITV) April 14, 2018
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Alesha told them: “This competition is now on fire. You’ve got this raw, fresh energy and I can tell that you’re all hungry. I love you.”
Amanda was delighted that Diversity had found “the next generation of little Perris”, referring to original member Perri Kiely, famous for his high-risk athletic moves and trademark big hair.
Simon said: “This is the second time that I’ve actually said ‘four yeses’ to Diversity. Brilliant.”
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All four judges expressed surprise when they found out what DVJ stood for, and were apparently unaware that Ashley was watching from the side of the stage.
But some viewers were far from convinced and launched a tirade on Twitter against the act’s inclusion in the competition.
Absolutely disgraceful that @BGT is allowing a group who have been coached and trained by @Diversity_Tweet to go into a competition that is meant to be for the general public. It’s nothing but cheating. Plain and simple. FIX!!!!!!! #bgt #BritainsGotTalent
— 17 wins from 46 Games for safety in 18-19 Season (@PNEAKTE) April 14, 2018
#BritainsGotTalent Dvj if they win its a fix
— Louie huckle (@LouHuckle) April 14, 2018
Bit of an unfair advantage being coached by Ashley Banjo? #BGT
— Vanessa Adams ❤ (@Vanessa_L_Adams) April 14, 2018
I agree entirely they shouldn’t of been put through there has already been one diversity why another its a joke!!!!! Give others a chance who are much better than them!!!!!!
— Jessica Feldman (@JessicaFeldman4) April 14, 2018
@BGT big fix diversity junions were put on for the show banjo was choreographing it what a fix
— paul lesauteur (@cardifpaul) April 14, 2018
Despite the criticism, DVJ were put through to the next stage where they will be hoping to make it into the live semi-finals.
* Britain’s Got Talent continues next Saturday at 8pm on ITV.
Do you think it’s fair for DVJ to compete on BGT? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!