The judges and studio audience of Britain’s Got Talent were wowed by a 68-year-old comedian who joked about bags for life and broken boilers.
Barbara Nice got a yes from David, Simon, Alesha and Amanda.
Read more: Simon Cowell introduces adorable addition to the family
But, while viewers were similarly impressed, some were quick to point out on Twitter that they are already familiar with the funny woman’s work.
Barbara Nice is actually a creation of comic actress Janice Connolly.
The 65-year-old, from Stockport, has appeared in Peter Kay’s Channel 4 comedy Phoenix Nights as Holy Mary.
Just realised where I recognised “Barbara Nice” from, she played Holy Mary in Phoenix Nights! 😮 #BGT pic.twitter.com/lA575sDNp3
— Shannon🌙🔮🦇 (@NerdyGirlShay) 20 April 2019
#BGT Anyway, tonight’s ringer. Thought I’d seen “Barbara” before, in Phoenix Nights. https://t.co/81AkcAeSUv
— Ken Barlow (@I_am_KenBarlow) 20 April 2019
Barbara Nice shouldn’t be allowed to go through. She’s a TV professional. Britain’s Got Talent is all about finding new raw talent. It’s becoming a fake show. #bgt
— Honey Bee (@Imtherealanon) 20 April 2019
That woman Barbara was very funny.. but she’s already established. Has done a tonne of work with Peter Kay… https://t.co/nzCtUEeZnl#BGT
— Cafwin (@cafwin53) 20 April 2019
Barbara Nice – Holy Mary from Phoenix Nights, it’s a funny act she’s done for years. Hope she makes the next round & not eliminated from the table of photographs when they have too many acts. #BGT
— Andrew Hough (@werdna67) 20 April 2019
Old Barbara was in Phoenix night and Coronation street #BGT pic.twitter.com/U5KmdDeuDp
— Neil Meredith (@themezza) 20 April 2019
A few people felt it unfair that a professional was allowed to audition…
Barbara Nice shouldn’t be allowed to go through. She’s a TV professional. Britain’s Got Talent is all about finding new raw talent. It’s becoming a fake show. #bgt
— Honey Bee (@Imtherealanon) 20 April 2019
Viewers who didn’t recognise her loved Barbara’s funny bones.
Everyone needs a person like Barbara in their lives #BGT @BGT SO FUNNY imagine if everyone was like Barbara their would be no hate or war only comedy and love #seebarbarabemorelikebarbara https://t.co/5f7c4fITej
— Kodei Mulcahy (@mulcahy_kodei) 20 April 2019
Read more: BGT viewers oppose judges’ decision over controversial act
According to Janice’s Wikipedia page, she has also appeared in Coronation Street.
What did you think of her act? And does it matter that she is a professional artist to you? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.