Britain's Got Talent reportedly descended into chaos after a semi-final show ran out of audience tickets.
Kids wanting to watch the smash-hit production live were said to have been 'left in tears' after London's Hammersmith Apollo, which has been hosting the live shows, was over-subscribed this week.
It was claimed families were turned away at the door after production bosses working for the ticketing firm ApplauseStore purposefully allocated too many seats in case of drop-outs.
However, due to the half-term school break, lots of families with kids turned up leaving many unable to watch the performance.
A source has now spoken out about the subsequent 'chaos'.
“There’s been loads of adverts and emails sent out urging people to sign up for the BGT live shows for the semis.
““It’s meant to be a family show. Loads of excited parents had planned days out for their kids and have been left very disappointed.
“It was mayhem, and loads of kids were crying," they told The Sun.
According to the terms of the free tickets, “sadly” the organisers cannot guarantee everyone who turns up will get in.
It also says they have to “over-issue” due to potential no-shows.
A spokesman from ApplauseStore said: “As is standard practice, tickets are over-allocated to cover for the occasions when people fail to turn up for a free event.
“Ticket numbers are carefully considered and we make it very clear that ticket-holders will not always be guaranteed entry.
“It’s very rare the audience are disappointed and we’re pleased to have been able to seat over 2,700 people to enjoy the show last night.”
The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.
Meanwhile, last night's semi-final came with its own drama.
Simon Cowell clapped back at the Government following an emotional performance by Voices of Armed Forces Children Choir
After hearing the kids' rousing chorus, he said: "I think remembering that all of your mums and dads are in the armed forces and you think about what is going on in the world right now and with the Jubilee.
"It's so interesting isn't it how a bunch of really talented kids can make a much stronger message than a bunch of boring politicians."
Britain's Got Talent continues tonight on ITV at 8pm.
