BGT performance branded 'fake' by fans who spot padlock goof during escape artist act

Britain's Got Talent has come under scrutiny by viewers who tuned into the final act that appeared in the newest episode of the ITV show.

The second round of auditions featured singers, dancers and even an impressionist, who boasted their talents for Simon Cowell - but they clearly saved the most intense for last.

Simon quickly figured out the act when he saw Andrew Basso emerge on stage in front of a huge glass box, the Mirror reported.

The Italian explained the history of the water stunt, known as the Chinese Water Torture Cell, mentioning the Hungarian-American escape artist Harry Houdini, before inviting Amanda Holden up on stage to cuff him.

Andrew highlighted that the stunt would turn dangerous at the two minute mark as he held his breath under water.

Andrew Basso performed a version of Houdini's Chinese water torture cell (ITV/MirrorOnline)

But as the clock ticked away and Andrew picked at the handcuffs with a pin, even hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly began to look nervous.

"I don't like it!" Dec remarked, before adding: "He's run out of music!"

The judges looked just as panicked as Alesha Dixon asked: "Is this part of the act?" and David Walliams replied: "I don't know..."

As the clock went past the three minute mark, Andrew emerged from the water as he gasped for breath and everyone sighed with relief.

BGT hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly found it difficult to watch the stunt as the clock ticked (ITV/MirrorOnline)

However, viewers were not convinced that the stunt had been as dangerous as BGT made out and took to Twitter to comment.

One person posted: "If that wasn’t staged, the crew would have rushed on to get him out… it’s embarrassing how fake this show is #bgt #BritainsGotTalent."

Another tweeted: "How many times have these acts been done seriously?. It’s so predictable like this wouldn’t be shown if he ends up dying trapped in a water tank! #BGT."

Someone else said: "I don’t believe for one second that these escapologists are ever in any danger so it really doesn’t do it for me #bgt."

Andrew emerged from the water after three minutes but some viewers were quick to slam the stunt (ITV/MirrorOnline)

And a fourth person added: "He knows quite well how long he can hold is breath for as something like that takes a lot of practice. The music stopping was just for dramatics #bgt #brotherincest."

A different person fumed: "Nearly as much of a fix as last week. Surely this will be the last year we put up with this crap. #BGT."

Someone else posted a close-up screenshot of the box as Andrew emerged from it and pointed out: "But the padlocks were not opened!!! #BGT."

Britain's Got Talent continues next Saturday at 8pm on ITV and ITV Hub.