Britain's Got Talent hit by complaints as parents say their children were left 'screaming'

Britain's Got Talent's new series has sparked a flurry of complaints after Saturday's episode featured two auditions that left viewers questioning the show's suitability for family viewing.

The new series kicked off at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX last night (February 22), but fans were left flocking to social media to air their grievances following a nude act and a 'gross' performance from professional sword swallower, Auzzy Blood, that left many turning over the channel.

Japanese comedian Akira's act became the talk of the night with his risqué slapstick performance where he bounded on stage with just a silver platter to shield himself.

His routine involved precarious antics that led him close to revealing too much; however, judicious use of props like a beach ball and tissue box ensured everything indecent remained unseen.Even Akira's bottom was concealed behind a tastefully placed Union Jack graphic.

Yet, despite the lack of explicit content, many were taken aback by the act's airtime. Voicing disapproval on YouTube, one perturbed viewer commented: "Absolutely Ridiculous! I had to tell my own children to look away! Kids are watching this!"

Meanwhile, social media users raised concerns with posts such as: "How did this get through screening? It's not past 9pm?" and "Why is there bum on my TV at 19:53 on a Saturday evening?"

Others expressed unease with one stating: "May well be funny for adults. Nevertheless, not at this time of evening on main stream TV."

The programme's producers found themselves in the firing line as viewers lashed out at what they saw as a misstep in primetime programming judgement.

The second act of the night, Auzzy Blood, left viewers at home horrified, with some predicting nightmares and parents complaining their children were left 'screaming'.

He took to the stage in a black cloak, his face painted with a Joker-like grin. He then pulled out two large metal spiral coils, prompting a warning message on screen advising viewers not to 'try this at home'. The audience watched in shock as he inserted one coil into his nostril and twisted it until it emerged from the other.

He then threaded the second coil through his throat and out his nose, horrifying the judges. As viewers struggled to watch, Auzzy Blood continued his act, threading a plastic pipe through his nose and inviting judge Simon Cowell to drink from it.

His act concluded with him inserting a hook into his nose and hoisting himself towards the ceiling on a rope. The daredevil performance terrified viewers, many of whom took to social media to voice their concerns about its suitability for children.

One viewer wrote: "I don't mind these acts, and happily watch. But again is this really suitable material for family viewing on a Saturday evening." Another said: "Noooo nooooo, I'm 100% having nightmares tonight."

A third commented: "THIS is the exact kind of act I HATE. I look away whenever there is anything gory or daredevil." Meanwhile one parent confessed: "I've got one kid screaming. One kid in awe. One kid hiding behind a pillow."

Another viewer, disturbed by the performance, shared: "I'm not easily offended but that was vile. My son asked why people are clapping....told him it's because it's finally over!"

The controversy didn't stop there, as many argued that certain acts should never make it to television. "This act should not be shown on TV," one outraged fan declared. "It's disgusting! Kids watch this!"

Others echoed the sentiment, with comments like: "No. Disgusting to watch. Not for me at all. Stupid. Dangerous not really a talent is it," and concerns about the suitability for children: "This is not appropriate for children to watch."

One worried viewer anticipated the aftermath: "Preparing for my child to have nightmares later."

Before Auzzy Blood act aired, judge Simon Cowell had said he had hoped there would be complaints.

"It's spooky horror where you don't want to watch it, but you do want to watch it," he began. "That's obviously why we're going to show it. We probably will get some complaints. Hopefully."

On a lighter note, the season premiere saw two acts hit the jackpot with the golden buzzer. Impressionist Will Burns and singer Vinnie McKee wowed the judges—Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, KSI, Bruno Tonioli, and Alesha Dixon—with their performances, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Vinnie, a Glaswegian holiday park entertainer, earned his spot with a heartfelt rendition of The Proclaimers' hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).

Will, 24, closed the show on a high note when hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly dashed onstage to give him the coveted golden buzzer. Other acts progressing to the next round included eight year old magician Teddy, accordion player and singer RuMac, and singing duo Han And Fran, who had the audience grooving to their Abba medley.

Britain's Got Talent continues next Saturday night on ITV1 and ITVX