Britain's Got Talent viewers annoyed over 'unfair' twist

A 2022 finalist was revealed to be behind one of this year's acts

Ant and Dec with judges Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli. (ITV)
Ant and Dec with judges Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli. (ITV)

Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left fuming after Noodle the cat turned out to be a 2022 finalist.

The unusual act – a CGI animation of a singing cat – wowed Simon Cowell and co in the audition stages and served up a rendition of Live And Let Die in Thursday’s (1 June) semi-final.

The judges had been in the dark and were stunned when Tom Ball – who was third on the show last year – emerged and it became clear that it was his voice behind Noodle.

Read more: Britain's Got Talent 2023 final: Who made it through the live semi-finals?

However, many fans have said they think it’s “unfair” that Ball got a second shot at BGT glory, taking the spot off someone else who had never tried out.

There were also those who felt he had an advantage as he already had a career in the industry.

“I think it’s great they had him on and revealed who the cat was but I don't think he should be voted on with a chance to the final again,” one viewer tweeted.

“He has had his shot and his life has changed so don't think it’s fair that he is up against the others, just saying.”

Another person said: “This is out of order and makes me not wanna watch anymore, acts should just have 1 chance if they make it through to the semi finals! Should not be allowed to audition or make it through, especially if they have signed a record deal, like Tom!”

“Absolutely shocking that he is even allowed to be there,” said another, adding: “Give someone else a chance.”

Tom Ball  third place in Britans Got Talent 2022 performing on P&O Arvia
Tom Ball came third place in Britain's Got Talent 2022. (PA Images/Alamy)

“I don’t think it’s fair to have Tom Ball on again,” somebody else posted.

“He’s already a professional singer and has an album out and doing live gigs. He’s excellent but should not be on here tonight. Unfair on the other 7 acts.”

“Not fair imo, taken the spot of someone,” said another fan.

"For a guy that has already got a record deal, why is he still allowed in the competition?" said one. "He has an unfair advantage."

(left to right) Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Simon Cowell, arriving for the Britain's Got Talent auditions, at The Lowry hotel, in Salford, Manchester. Picture date: Wednesday February 8, 2023.
The judges looked shocked. (PA Images/Alamy)

However, others were more focused on the singer’s “brilliant” performance.

Read more: Britain's Got Talent 2023 Golden Buzzer acts: Who the judges chose this year

“What a voice,” said one, as another gushed: “Amazing last year, amazing this year! Love his voice.”

Yahoo has contacted ITV for comment.

Watch: Amanda Holden thinks Dermot O'Leary would be 'great' as Phillip Schofield's replacement