Britain's Got Talent in 'fake' row after prankster secretly films audition

Britain’s Got Talent has come under fire after comedian Simon Brodkin secretly filmed his audition for the hit ITV talent show.

Simon, who is the comic behind TV character Lee Nelson, filmed undercover when he auditioned in January 2016 as part of a new Channel 4 documentary.

The star has now claimed that the entire show is “contrived” and “fake” – with producers telling him exactly what to do and how to act when on camera.

Speaking to The Mirror, Simon – who auditioned as an Orthodox Jewish rapper – shared: “Shortly before I went in front of the judges I was advised what to say and how to present my act.

“A lot is recreated and manipulated. My arrival, registration and leaving were all staged. I was given direction as to how to act, and they reshot each stage several times.

“Once backstage they asked me to look nervous, happy, frustrated, excited etc, filming as many emotions as possible so they have the building blocks to build their own narrative.”

Simon also revealed that after his initial audition in front of producers, he was told how to change his act for his filmed audition in front of TV judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden.

He continued: “No suggestions were made on the day but four days, afterwards I received a call from an associate producer who told me they liked my act but the rap I auditioned with was not right for the show.

“They asked me for a new song, guiding me on what would work better for ‘BGT’.”

Simon claims that he was then “coached” on several answers when filming footage to air on the show, also being told to “rephrase them according to their suggestions”, he was also filmed celebrating an apparent successful audition before he even took to the stage.

The star ended up getting four yeses from the judges before producers axed him from the show after his true identity was discovered, with a BGT spokesperson refuting Simon’s “fakery” claims.

Insisting that they only told Simon to change his rap because the content was “inappropriate” for the family show, a spokesperson explained: “It is not unusual for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ to work with acts to ensure their performances are suitable for family viewing.

“On this occasion Simon Brodkin auditioned with a rap containing material we were concerned may cause offence.

“We subsequently found out that Simon Brodkin is a ‘comedian’ and hoaxer who promotes his act by deceiving people.

“It is untrue to suggest that ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ manipulated Simon’s act.”

Watch the whole story unfold on Britain’s Greatest Hoaxer, tomorrow at 10pm on Channel 4.