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Britain's Got Talent - the Final

Winning dance troupe Diversity in action
  • Posted at 1:35pm
  • 02 June 2009
  • by AlisonGraham-RT
  • 7 comments

The right act won, of course. Diversity, the thrilling, exhilarating, endlessly inventive dance troupe thoroughly deserved to take the Britain's Got Talent crown in Saturday's final. They were breathtakingly good, their routines packed with humour and endless imagination.

They were nice boys too. My weary middle-aged heart fluttered at the decency and good manners of Diversity's choreographer and driving force, Ashley Banjo. My faith in human nature was restored by Banjo's politeness and charm, and the fact that there was no X Factor-y sobbing, pleading or over-emoting about "journeys". Banjo was the rarest of TV talent show contestants - a man with a sense of proportion.

Maybe the next series should be called Britain's Got Manners because the sheer good-naturedness of the contestants was truly winning. Julian Smith, who everyone described as a saxophonist, though I'd swear he was playing the clarinet, came on last (not easy) and was completely gracious, telling hosts Ant and Dec, who in their black ties looked like two tiny pallbearers: "I really wanted to round the show off nicely for everyone." As Smith departed after coming a creditable third, he added: "It's been an honour." Aww.

There were uncomfortable moments, though. Like many others, I doubt the wisdom of including very young children in Britain's Got Talent, even though Simon Cowell put up a spirited justification on the big night. I'm no great fan of child performers, but watching wee bodypopper Aidan Davis crumple into tears when he didn't get Cowell's wholehearted backing was tough.

I know kids have to learn to fail and to deal with rejection, but at the age of 11, on telly in front of millions? That's a big deal, even for an adult.

Of course, a disproportionate amount of attention was focused on Susan Boyle, who was clearly fragile, an impression borne out by what is alleged to have happened subsequently. Unfortunately, she was riding the cusp of the inevitable and horrible media backlash (they build 'em up and then they knock 'em down again).

Boyle was emotionally hanging on by her fingernails and her look of frozen terror as her name was announced as one of the final three was hard to bear. As were her inappropriate gestures as she left the stage. Here's hoping Boyle gets the rest, peace and support that she needs.

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Comments

  • Posted on 10 June 2009
  • at 1:28pm
  • by Croydonwhite

Kayniner

Aren't you getting this mixed up with Total Wipeout? Certainly has the same cringe factor.

  • Posted on 08 June 2009
  • at 12:26pm
  • by missy

TANGO your heartless, that poor woman has been through so much and you think its great ... shame on you !!

  • Posted on 07 June 2009
  • at 2:26pm
  • by DAVID

THANK GOD ITS ALL OVER

  • Posted on 05 June 2009
  • at 9:16pm
  • by Kayniner

Can anyone confirm that the very first Britains Got Talent was a show where the winner each week won £10,000 pounds?

  • Posted on 05 June 2009
  • at 12:40pm
  • by Jan

BGT should have more stringent controls put on it and possibly not be open to children under 13. As discussed on Question Time last night, the programme makers should have had a duty of care to the contestants who had reached the final and certainly Susan Boyle with her fragility should have been more protected. I am glad that she is out of the clinic and is off for a rest. I really do not think she will cope with the celebrity status and should be content with her few minutes of fame and get back to her normality at home. Diversity deserved to win and I wish them well.

  • Posted on 03 June 2009
  • at 2:03pm
  • by tango

thank god su-bo has been put in the priory , if you ask me its def the right place for her!!!!!

  • Posted on 01 June 2009
  • at 8:44pm
  • by christine godward

l do really love you as a person and you have a brillent voice ,keep strong, and sing your heart out love you from christine

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