Viewers slammed the BGT judges for putting through the “world’s worst impressionist” on last night’s show.
Contestant Irshad Shaikh made it through to the semi finals, despite all four judges having pressed their buzzers to stop his act early.
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The 57-year-old, who started off by saying his big dream was “to perform and become a worldwide star” failed to impress the BGT panel with his impressions of the likes of Sylvester Stallone, the Queen and Prince Charles.
Both Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon buzzed him within seconds to stop his act, swiftly followed by Simon Cowell and David Walliams.
When Irshad – a self-employed salesman from Essex – asked David why he had stopped him, David said: “I didn’t want to see you suffer up there. I know what it’s like when people aren’t enjoying it.”
But when he said he was having fun, David urged Irshad to carry on with his act – and he eventually won the audience round.
With further impressions of Dot Cotton, Louis Walsh and Simon himself, he managed to get the crowd laughing – even if it was for the wrong reasons.
And when it came time for their verdict, most of the panel had changed their mind on his performance.
Amanda said she thought he was “very, very funny”, and Alesha added, “I mean I was howling with laughter, how can I not say yes?” And David said there was “a market for the world’s worst impressionist” that Irshad could fill.
“I actually thought it was really funny,” he added. “I thought it was funny because it was the least accurate impressions I’d ever heard.”
Only Simon remained unconvinced, telling Irshad: “You are, and I’m not kidding here, the worst impressionist we’ve had on this show in 11 years.”
Irshad made it through with three yes votes, but viewers weren’t impressed either.
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“Four buzzers and he gets through – that’s unfair on other acts,” said one. “Idiot Walliams. He puts any old rubbish through.”
Others, meanwhile, called the show a “farce”, adding, “What’s the point?” and,“So having no talent is now considered a talent?”