Britain's Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli dismisses claims semi-finalist's act is 'offensive'

The act in question received hundreds of Ofcom complaints

Britain’s Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli has dismissed claims that a semi-finalist’s act is ‘offensive’ after the programme received hundreds of Ofcom complaints.

Following an audition process that was held in Blackpool and featured KSI as a guest judge, the ITV talent show’s first live semi-final will take place on Saturday night (April 26).

Eight acts will be performing for the chance to reach the final in hopes of winning a £250,000 cash prize and a spot on the bill of the Royal Variety Performance.

Bruno and his fellow judges, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon can each use a golden buzzer to send a contestant straight through to the final at any point across the five live shows.

One act that has caused controversy in the 18th series of Britain’s Got Talent is Auzzy Blood, a unique horror-themed act.

The American contestant, whose real name is Austin Punton, drew criticism for inserting a series of metallic objects into his face, before running a tube into his mouth and out of his nose for judge Simon Cowell to drink through in February.

Following the audition, which included the performer climbing up a rope using a metal hook in his mouth, the show received 771 Ofcom complaints in the aftermath of his performance and that of Japanese performer Akira Ohashi, whose routine included nudity.

Addressing Auzzy Blood, former Strictly judge Bruno said: “He does make you cringe but it’s a very, very, very sophisticated act in a way.

“It’s presentation, to me, it was a bit like the Hammer House Of Horror feel, these movies that had this kind of wonderful, gothic feel to (them).

“It’s part of the range of entertainment, these acts are huge in Vegas, it does make you squeal, but I don’t think it’s offensive, I think, because there is a lot of skill in what he does, and the way it’s presented is quite fascinating.”

He added: “What is incredible, and what I like about the show, he’s exciting, we (didn’t) know what was going to happen, and it’s open to all parts of what we call variety.

“(Going back in time) these acts were part of the range of entertainers that they used to show, so there is naturally a historical precedence to it, it’s not something that we (said) let’s do it for shock value.

“It is something that is out there and it has been around within this canon of variety for hundreds of years. I don’t think it’s that shocking, but I mean that is my opinion, and I respect everyone else’s.”

According to Bruno, ‘the worst thing you can do’ on the show is “be boring”, stating that the series needs to showcase ‘a range’ of acts.

“I don’t see why you shouldn’t see it (Auzzy Blood’s act), obviously it creates a reaction, but within that kind of act it was very good, and it’s a variety show, I don’t think it was done intentionally (to get a reaction),” the 69-year-old said.

Bruno added that the goal for acts like Auzzy Blood is to begin performing in Las Vegas as he would ‘go down very well there’.

Britain’s Got Talent airs at 7pm on Saturday on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player