Advertisement

'Britain's Got Talent' judge Simon Cowell storms off stage during ventriloquist Jimmy Tamley's act

Amy West
·Contributor
Updated

It’s been a long time since Simon Cowell has lived up to his former ‘Mr. Nasty’ persona. But the Britain’s Got Talent judge looked to be reverting back to his old ways last night (30 May) when he stormed off after being forced to take part in a semi-finalist’s performance.

Along with fellow judge David Walliams, the 59-year-old was dragged on stage by ventriloquist Jimmy Tamley and told to mimic what he was saying while wearing a mask with a comically large mouth.

Read more: Amanda Holden swears live on air once again

Looking unimpressed, Cowell - dubbed Snuggly Simon by Tamley during the show - was seen shaking his head and rolling his eyes.

Simon Cowell didn't look too pleased about joining in with Jimmy Tamley's ventriloquism act during last night's semi-final (ITV)
Simon Cowell didn't look too pleased about joining in with Jimmy Tamley's ventriloquism act during last night's semi-final (ITV)

But it wasn’t until the performer requested he and David perform the can-can that he’d had enough, walking off stage before reluctantly returning at the very end of Tamley’s slot to complete the act.

“When you see the credits and the producers names there and then you read about them being murdered in two days time, I did it,” he joked when it was time for the judge’s to give their feedback on the performance.

Amanda Holden admired Tamley’s bravery for picking Cowell to join in, saying: “Why couldn't you have just used Ant [McPartlin] and Declan [Donnelly]?”

Nevertheless, she seem to enjoy it, going on to describe the act as “very awkward but very funny.”

“Simon is absolutely fine,” a source told the MailOnline, when asked about the incident. “He’s been laughing about it during the ad break.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Alesha Dixon, Ant McPartlin, David Walliams, Declan Donnelly and Simon Cowell arrive at the Britain’s Got Talent 2019 auditions held at London Palladium on January 20, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Alesha Dixon, Ant McPartlin, David Walliams, Declan Donnelly and Simon Cowell arrive at the Britain’s Got Talent 2019 auditions. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)

They went on to explain that Cowell left the stage “due to an old ski-ing injury,” which would have been aggravated if he’d have started to kick his legs up in the air.

Read more: ‘BGT’ has new favourite

“Simon had to take the lead to stop any embarrassment,” they continued. “Backstage, everyone has been giggling - and Simon thinks it was a great TV moment!”

Britain’s Got Talent’s last semi-final before Sunday’s grand finale airs tonight at 7:30pm on ITV. Acts that are set to perform include singers Leanne Mya and Jacob Jones, comedian Barbara Nice, dance group Fabulous Sisters, daredevil magician Jonathan Goodwin and tambourine performer Gonzo.