ITV BGT confirms Teddy Magic, 8, has QUIT show amid controversy over mysterious live show withdrawal
Britain’s Got Talent child star Teddy Magic, who concerned viewers when he pulled out of the first live semi-final show last month, has officially withdrawn from the ITV show.
The eight-year-old magician impressed all the judges with his audition and seemed to flourish in the spotlight, but when he was scheduled to perform in the first live show on April 26, hosts Ant and Dec announced that plans had been changed at the last minute.
As the live audience waited for the schoolboy to take to the stage, the presenters initially told viewers that young Teddy wasn’t “ready” to take perform yet.
McPartlin explained: “Teddy isn’t quite ready backstage yet, so we’re just going to chat to you judges.”
Donnelly added: “We’re going to have a little change of plan,” while his co-host went on to clarify: “Just while he gets himself ready and composed backstage.”
Judge Simon Cowell refused to pile extra pressure onto the schoolboy, stating: “It’s fine, it’s fine. If he’s not ready, he’s not ready.”
However, later in the show, Donnelly shared: “[Teddy] won’t be performing tonight, but we hope to see him later on in the series.”
For a few weeks, audiences were left scratching their heads as no update was provided on the young boy, and viewers often took to social media to express concern for the “missing” youngster.
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His last-minute absence also revived a wider conversation about children appearing on the show and the debate about whether or not an age limit should be implemented.
Two further live semi-finals have since aired, with no mention of the little boy, and fans of the show asked on social media each week where he was and if he was okay.
Despite the hosts assuring audiences Teddy would be back in the first show, it has now been decided he won’t return to any of the upcoming live shows.
A spokesperson told The Mirror on Thursday: “After discussions with Teddy’s parents and the production team, it has been jointly agreed that Teddy won’t perform in this year’s semi-finals, but BGT hopes to see Teddy again in a future series.”
His family is understood to have shared a message of thanks for those who supported their son. A statement obtained by The Sun read: “We want to thank everyone who has supported Teddy and cheered him on – he continues to fill our world with magic.”
Teddy’s audition wowed judge KSI in particular after the talented youngster impressed the influencer with a card trick.
While no official explanation has been given for Teddy’s withdrawal, it’s believed he had suffered from nerves or may have had an issue with his act.
The update comes as the show confirmed today which acts would be taking part in the next live show.
The announcement sparked further questions, which have now been answered, about Teddy and when he would be performing.
It’s likely Ant and Dec will confirm the news in the next show, which will take place on Sunday, May 18, rather than the usual Saturday slot.
The news may spark further conversation about children taking part in the popular talent show, following discussions about the amount of pressure placed on contestants and whether children are too young to cope with it.
In 2009, child singer Hollie Steel sparked the same debate when she had to halt her live performance on the show due to nerves.