Britain’s Got Talent has received scores of Ofcom complaints about a ‘uncomfortable statement’ fans allege they heard Bruno Tonioli make during the semi-final.
The former Strictly judge, 67, allegedly made the comment after Nathan and Joanne’s performance on May 30.
The two walked the stage and performed a dance to You Can’t Stop The Beat from the musical Hairspray, receiving a standing ovation from judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno.
However, ITV viewers on Twitter were left ‘fuming’ after Bruno allegedly said that Nathan ‘peeked up Joanne’s skirt.’
On Wednesday, Ofcom claimed it received 69 complaints about the programme, with the bulk of them relating to Bruno’s remark regarding Nathan and Joanne’s routine.
A media regulator representative confirmed that the complaints were over Bruno stating that Nathan had ‘peeked up Joanne’s skirt.’
They added: ‘We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, before deciding whether or not to investigate.’
On the catch-up episode available on ITVX, Bruno cannot be heard making the alleged remark.
Fans, however, while it was broadcast last week took to Twitter, with one commenting: ‘Bruno’s comment about having a “peek up her skirt” (Nathan and Joanne) was so inappropriate and uncomfortable to watch. #BritainsGotTalent.’
I've never been so disgusted and fuming @itv @bgt @BrunoTonioli and also massive trigger with bruno comment about "having a sneaky peak under skirts #sackhimnow #shownhismentality
— amanda sweeney (@the1f1babe) May 30, 2023
I was disgusted at @BrunoTonioli when he suggested to the young boy that he had had a "little peek " up the ladies skirt whilst dancing with her . This is a family show Bruno .Please keep your inappropriate remarks to yourself.
— Margaret Anne☘️🎧 (@MargaretAnne120) May 31, 2023
#BGT I can't believe Bruno said he looked up her dress!!!! Got to say that's an awful thing to say to the lad.
— Lee Turner (@leeturnergorton) May 30, 2023
Bruno’s comment about having a ‘peek up her skirt’ (Nathan and Joanne) was so inappropriate and uncomfortable to watch. 😳#BritainsGotTalent pic.twitter.com/YctcJx1Pew
— Charlotte Moore (@Miss_C_Moore) May 30, 2023
‘I was disgusted at @BrunoTonioli when he suggested to the young boy that he had had a “little peek ” up the ladies skirt whilst dancing with her . This is a family show Bruno.Please keep your inappropriate remarks to yourself,’ another commented.
A third said: ‘I’ve never been so disgusted and fuming @itv @bgt @BrunoTonioli and also massive trigger with bruno comment about “having a sneaky peak under skirts” #sackhimnow #shownhismentality.’
Despite receiving glowing accolades from the BGT panel, Nathan and Joanne were unable to go to the finals, with Viggo Venn and Olivia Hynes advancing instead.
Viggo, a Norwegian comic who performs in a trademark high-vis jacket, was finally chosen Britain’s Got Talent champion.
The winner triggered 116 Ofcom complaints, the media regulator confirmed.
Britain’s Got Talent is available to stream on ITVX.
