Britain’s Got Talent “alien” dance act Baba Yega previously won Belgium’s version of the show.
No mention was made on last night’s episode of the group’s previous success, which also included finishing runners-up on the German series.
Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon were bowled over by the freaky performance and gave them four yeses, putting Baba Yega through to the next stage of the competition.
But some viewers have questioned if the German act’s inclusion is unfair to other hopefuls, and suggested the show should have told viewers about the act’s past experience.
One fan wrote to BGT’s Twitter account: “Wish you’d be more upfront about who is professional and who are amateurs. These guys won Belgium’s Got Talent and were runners up in the German version.”
Another posted: “Baba Yega won Belgium’s Got Talent and music video already. Nah sorry, unfair to other acts!!!!”
A third added: “Baba Yega already won Belgium’s Got Talent (& did German one). I don’t think an act that has won another version of Got Talent should be allowed to participate, no matter how good they are.”
Read more: Britain’s Got Talent judges in tears as they break show protocol for first time ever
And another viewer said: “Baba Yega won Belgium’s Got Talent two years ago. Nothing like New talent. And that was nothing like New Talent.”
Wish you’d be more upfront about who is professional and who are amateurs. These guys won Belgium’s Got Talent and were runners up in the German version.
— John Pollock (@JohnChopperx) April 28, 2018
Baba yega won Belgium’s got talent and music video already. Nah sorry, unfair to other acts!!!! #BGT
— claire (@claireh5611) April 28, 2018
Baba Yega already won Belgium’s Got Talent (& did German one). I don’t think an act that has won another version of Got Talent should be allowed to participate, no matter how good they are. #BritainsGotTalent #BGT2018 #BGT
— Tony Bianchi (@Voltamax2020) April 28, 2018
Baba Yega won Belgium’s Got Talent two years ago
Nothing like New talent
And that was nothing like New Talent#BGT— Rik’s Livetweets (@RikLivetweet) April 28, 2018
Baba Yega are ringers… Britain’s Got Belgium’s Got Talent #BGT pic.twitter.com/TGcBFmo0mC
— Charlie Taters (@CharlieTaters) April 28, 2018
Just saying they are already famous: Belgium’s got Talent 2016https://t.co/YUH2PY0vxa #bgt
— Dave (@DavidMackayy) April 28, 2018
The dance troupe, who began their routine emerging robotically from a huge cardboard box and ended up snogging Ant and Dec, weren’t the only act that turned out to have previous professional and TV experience that wasn’t mentioned to the audience on last night’s show.
Illusionists Magus Utopia appeared on another ITV show, hosted by Stephen Mulhern and Rochelle Humes, The Next Great Magician two years ago.
The Dutch performers also received four yeses from the panel, but viewers were quick to point out this wasn’t their first brush with fame.
Pretty sure I’ve seen that illusion act on the Next Great Magician last year. Still a scary but slick performance. #BGT
— Tony (@iMagicTony) April 28, 2018
Those illusionists have already done tv. They did The Next Great Magician the other year. #bgt
— Lauren (@lozzie_lo_) April 28, 2018
A BGT spokesperson told ED!: “Britain’s Got Talent offers the opportunity for people to showcase their talent.
“Some of the acts have previously appeared on other shows, as is the case for many TV talent shows these days, but there are no rules that state this should prevent them for applying.
“All acts audition on the same basis and normal programme rules apply.”
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
Stephen Mulhern said of Magus Utopia’s 2016 ITV appearance: “I remember Magus Utopia were contenders for The Next Great Magician.
“They didn’t win on that occasion but I’m delighted they’ve come back to the UK to give it a shot with Britain’s Got Talent.”
* Britain’s Got Talent continues next Saturday at 8pm on ITV.
Is it fair for previous Got Talent winners to enter BGT? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!