Britains Got Talent escapologist angers viewers at home with fake stunt

An escapologist on the latest episode of Britain's Got Talent received short shrift from viewers at home.

Andrew Basso, from Italy, had the live studio audience, Simon Cowell and the rest of the show's judging panel on the edge of their seats as he emulated one of Harry Houdini's most famous tricks.

But those watching from home were much more critical of his take on the Hungarian-American escape artist's stunt, known as the Chinese Water Torture Cell.

Andrew, who was handcuffed by Amanda Holden inside a large glass box filled with water, had said that his stunt would become very dangerous if he failed to escape in under two minutes.

As the clock ticked well over the two-minute mark, the faces of those watching the stunt live turned to ones of concern, as one anxious audience member said: "He's panicking, he's panicking."

Meanwhile, hosts Ant and Dec shifted nervously as they looked on from the side of the stage and Alesha Dixon and David Walliams wondered between themselves if Andrew was really in trouble or if it was all part of the act.

The escape artist finally emerged from the water, gasping for breath, to scenes of jubilation from the live audience.

The tension among many ITV viewers at home, however, was far less palpable and some took to Twitter to explain why they were less than impressed.

One person wrote: "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."

A second commented: "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."

A third tweeted: "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."

Another remarked: "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."

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

One viewer posted a close-up screenshot of the box as Andrew escaped and pointed out: "But the padlocks were not opened!!! #BGT."

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Britains Got Talent
Simon Cowell
Amanda Holden
Ant Mcpartlin
Declan Donnelly
Alesha Dixon
David Walliams
ITV

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