ITV Britain's Got Talent halted as surprise semi-final twist announced

Audiences tuning in to Britain's Got Talent were met with a twist in the fifth semi-final (May 24) when presenters Ant and Dec sprang a surprising change on the show's format.

Just moments into tonight's broadcast, the Geordie duo halted the show to inform viewers of a new twist concerning the much-coveted Golden Buzzer for the series' last live semi-final.

The beloved pair still held the privilege to deploy their Golden Buzzer, automatically advancing an act to the grand finale. Yet as KSI made his guest appearance as a judge, Ant and Dec disclosed a shake-up in the norms.

Dec took the lead, silencing the crowd with: "We've got news for you, we've got news," before dropping the format bombshell.

They announced that they're offering KSI their Golden Buzzer power, explaining: "Strictly speaking it should be Ant and I to press it [the buzzer] tonight but we'd had a chat and we'd like to give it you KSI."

KSI was open-mouthed as he grappled with the fact that he now bore the responsibility to catapult not just one, but two acts directly to the final, having previously awarded Stacey Leadbeatter with a Golden Buzzer at the auditions, .

The evening's proceedings were amped up with a five-strong panel of judges-Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, and KSI-scrutinising eight contenders vying for two precious places in the live finale.

Social media was abuzz with excitement over KSI's comeback on the show, as fans took to social media to comment on the developments of the night.

"Great to see KSI back," wrote one show enthusiast, while another commented: "KSI's back alright, he boutta have 2 golden buzzer acts in the final."

The Golden Buzzer has sparked debate this series, with many viewers expressing frustration over the audience's chants for an act to receive it.

An ITV viewer called for the show's producers to scrap the semi-final golden buzzer next year, stating: "Pleaase get rid of the semi final golden buzzer next year so we don't have to listen to that incessant press the gold chant from the audience.

"The amount of golden buzzers in this years #BGT is farcical," another viewer complained. "Why don't we go one further next year and let them press golden buzzer for the outright winner.

"Can we just get rid of it now. I'm so bored and tired of #BGT," a disgruntled critic remarked.

Viewers can catch the live final of Britain's Got Talent on ITV1 or ITV X from 7pm until 9.45pm on Saturday May 31. The BGT 2025 winner will be revealed, with the triumphant act taking home £250,000 and earning a place on the Royal Variety Performance line-up.

Britain's Got Talent airs Saturdays at 7pm on ITV and ITVX