The new Britain’s Got Talent spin-off has hit controversy – as some acts are furious they have been asked to perform for just their expenses.
Winners, finalists and other successful contestants from the series across the world are being contacted by show execs to go on BGT: The Champions.
But the show, owned by Simon Cowell’s SYCOtv, is refusing to pay a fee for their performance. A source said: “Many of the BGT winners are highly sought after but they are just being offered expenses, which some find insulting.
“These aren’t unknowns, they are experienced performers who have carved out very profitable careers since.
“Many feel they can’t turn down the show as it gave them such a platform in the first place – but it’s put a few noses out of joint to say the least. All they ask for is a decent wage for their time.”
The new show, due to air later this year, will be presented by regular hosts Ant and Dec.
Diversity, pianist Tokio Myers, singing group Collabro, and singers Susan Boyle and Paul Potts are all thought to have been asked. A BGT insider said the stars, including the Got Talent winners from around the world, would get their expenses paid.
They said the acts will be competing for a cash prize and “the honour of being named the BGT Champion of Champions”. Adding “The feedback has been that acts can’t wait.”
And a spokesman said: “Everyone is focusing on next week’s live shows.”
