ITV Britain’s Got Talent slammed as ‘sexist’ after viewers point out ‘lack of representation’ in acts
Britain’s Got Talent has sparked outrage after failing to feature a single female act during its episode aired on International Women’s Day.
Viewers took to social media to express their disappointment at the lack of representation in the 80-minute programme.
The episode featured a range of male performers, including French comedian David Burlet, opera singer John Pierce, magician TK, and “professional egg walker” Lan Guangping.
Eleven-year-old guitarist Olly Pearson received a Golden Buzzer for his performance, as did The Blackout group for their LED show.
Other acts included hoop divers Troupe Abyssinia and variety performer Kranthi Drillman, who travelled from India to smash coconuts with his bare hands.
In one of the more controversial moments, Kranthi appeared to endanger Simon Cowell’s life by blindfolded sledgehammer smashing watermelons around the judge’s head.
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Peter and Eagle’s falconry act also featured, which turned out to be someone in an eagle costume telling bird jokes.
The controversy is particularly notable as last year, Sydnie Christmas was celebrated as the first solo woman to win BGT in its 17-year history.
One user on X wrote: “This week’s episode of Britain’s Got Talent just ended… and there was not a single female act. 80 minutes, and all ITV showed was man after man.”
Another labelled the oversight “sexist”, posting: “actually awful that on international women’s day all the acts tonight so far have been men, sexist”.
A third said: “Anyone else noticed that there have been no women tonight? Find that shocking… ITV need to sort themselves out!”
“No women again? Shock…” someone else noted before a fifth said: “Getting fed up with BGT honestly… need more female acts instead of a queue of men waiting.” (sic)
Before Christmas’s triumph last year, a woman had not won the show without being part of a group or performing with a dog since it began in 2007, with her victory being seen as a breakthrough moment for female representation on the programme.
The singer joined previous winners including Diversity, Paul Potts, Spelbound, Tokio Myers, and Lost Voice Guy.
Female acts featured in the current series so far include eight-year-old dancer Binita Chetry and Abba singing duo Han & Fran.
Last weekend, viewers were moved by Stacey Leadbetter’s performance, with some comparing her to Susan Boyle after her rendition of Snow Patrol’s “Run” earned her a Golden Buzzer from guest judge KSI.
This is not the first time an ITV competition show has faced criticism for lack of female representation.
Dancing On Ice has generated similar discourse throughout its current series, as a woman has not won the trophy since 2013 when gymnast Beth Tweddle and partner Daniel Whiston were crowned champions.