Poet whose words were used in Diversity's powerful BGT performance 'proud' of group

The poet behind the moving words used in Diversity's recent Britain's Got Talent performance has spoken out over the backlash the group received, after more than 20,000 people complained to Ofcom.

Tomos Roberts wrote the story The Great Realisation, with his book published in September.

Ashley Banjo took inspiration from the poem and "remixed" it for his incredible performance on BGT alongside his dance group.

In the routine, which aired on BGT earlier this month, the group referenced the Black Lives Matter movement, and also referenced the death of George Floyd in America earlier this year.

Viewers were moved to tears by the performance, with the group praised for their incredible message and for using their platform.

Tomos Roberts who wrote the poem used in Diversity's powerful BGT routine has spoken out (ITV)

But the moment also faced a huge amount of backlash, with thousands of complaints made to ITV and Ofcom.

Ashley, the group and many others, including ITV and Ofcom, have stood by the performance and spoken out against the negative comments.

Now, Tomos has also had his say on his thoughts on the routine, as well as the backlash.

Diversity performed to Tomos' poem on BGT (ITV)

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Friday, Tomos told Kate Garraway and Alex Beresford he was proud of his words being used in such an incredible and powerful televised moment.

He said: "I was feeling immensely proud, I was really humbled when Ashley Banjo reached out and explained his vision and concept, and explained how he wanted to tell the story of 2020 from his perspective through dance.

"He wanted to remix the poem I had written to bookend his piece, but to include the central themes of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement."

Tomos Roberts praised Diversity and Ashley Banjo for their performance (ITV)

Speaking of the performance, he praised the group before addressing the negative responses.

Tomos said: "I've got to say, when I watched what Ashley had done with the piece, I was really proud that these messages were able to be shared on a mainstream TV show like Britain's Got Talent.

"I thought they did a phenomenal job and I do believe these are difficult themes, but themes that people really need to hear.

"When I heard about the controversy and the complaints, as I said to Ashley after the dance, real change is often proceeded with controversy and this is part of the way that attitudes and minds change in a progressive society.

"I am really glad he did what he did."

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.