Britain's Got Talent in new fixing row
Simon Cowell
The new series of Britain’s Got Talent hasn’t even aired and there are already allegations of fixing being levelled again the show.
The claims come from singer-songwriter Jon Gomm, who posted a piece on Google+ who said that his manager was approached by the show for him to appear on it.
His manager, Natasha, is quoted in the post as saying, “A producer from BGT just called me to ask if Jon Gomm would like to take part in the show. I happen to know for a fact that the open auditions took place months ago and there are anxious hopefuls all over the country waiting for their phones to ring to see if they've made it to the TV stage of the audition process."
She reportedly added: "In the meantime, producers are calling musicians who have shown zero interest in appearing on the show to invite them to take part and groom them for victory. As a long time loather of all reality/talent shows I told them where to shove it in no uncertain terms. These programmes are exploitative bollocks. Don't believe the bullshit people. Simon Cowell can kiss my ass."
A spokesperson for the show hit back at the allegations, saying that although some musicians are contacted by the producers, they do not bypass the audition stage.
They said, "Prior to and during the auditions the production researchers are notified of and deal with talent via many routes.
"These include word of mouth, internet searches, open auditions and events, all in line with industry practice. All contestants are auditioned on merit."