BRITAIN’S Got Talent viewers were up in arms last night as magician Richard Jones failed to make it to the final for his emotional performance – and they blamed David Walliams for not pressing his golden buzzer.
Richard, 28, won Britain’s Got Talent in 2016 and at the time he was joined by war veteran Fergus Anckorn, the longest-serving member of the Magic Circle.
Fergus has since passed away and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house last night as Richard return to the stage to pay tribute to his late friend.
But despite the poignant nature of his performance, it wasn’t enough to make judge David Walliams reach for his golden buzzer, a move that would have sent army man Richard straight into the final.
Instead, Richard made it into the top three for the night, as voted for by the show’s studio audience, but was pipped at the post by Canadian illusionist Darcy Oake.
The Golden buzzer spot was taken when David pressed the magic button for 85 year-old salsa dancer Paddy and her partner Nico, whose performance came after Richard’s.
Needless to say, many viewers were up in arms and took to social media to voice their displeasure – and target their anger at David.
‘It’s all your fault David Richard was so much better than the old dancer. Should have been Richard and Darcy. #Endoff’
‘@richjonesmagic you should’ve won infact you should’ve got the golden buzzer #Respect #BGT.’
‘David messed up, sorry to say it but he did, but well done to all the winner #BGT.’
‘What the hell is that result! Richard should be through! What rubbish! #BGTTheChampions #BGT,’
‘David you idiot – everyone said you should have pressed the buzzer for Richard now HES GONE #bgt.’
@davidwalliams@SimonCowell@BGT If only you hadn't used your golden buzzer aleady David, Richard could have had it!! #BGT
— Jessica Le Lapin
(@JessicaRabbit37) April 30, 2016
(@JessicaRabbit37) @davidwalliams So disappointed that you didn’t give your golden buzzer to Richard Jones tonight. You said, see the reaction you don’t need my buzzer. #BIGFAIL Richard should be in the final… #BGT
—
Andrea
(@Marsy24A) September 14, 2019
Andrea@davidwalliams you made a right screw up tonight with the golden buzzer.. You have lost several amazing acts who should have been in the final for the paddy and nicko who is going to get the sympathy act and was rubbish
@BGT the Richard Jones and the girls from mayyas..
— Chris First Responder (@Hyde_Chris_M) September 14, 2019
Earlier in the show, Richard has put on a tear-inducing performance in which he honoured his friend Fergus’ life.
Fergus died from bladder cancer in March 2018, two years after he appeared with Richard on the BGT final.
All four judges gave Richard a standing ovation while the clearly emotional magician fought back tears after his powerful turn.
Richard said to Ant and Dec: “I knew it was going to be an emotional act because of what I was talking about but seeing the support from the room I didn’t expect it, and it threw me a little bit.
“Sorry for getting so emotional, it’s just such a kind thing to see. I really appreciate it.”
Alesha Dixon had urged David Walliams, who at the time was still to press his golden buzzer, to hit it for Richard, but David decided otherwise, revealing that he thought the magician would sail through to the final regardless.
“David told Richard: I’ve never seen a reaction like this for anybody, I don’t think you need my golden buzzer!”
But the decision backfired when Richard lost out in the ‘super fans’ vote and, from the look on his face, he was upset to be out.
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And Simon Cowell was clearly gutted too, telling Richard: “Before we even knew what you were going to do tonight, I looked into your eyes and I could see your eyes welling up.
“You were emotional before, during, after, for all the right reasons. What defines a Champion is someone who has won but has the confidence to come back and defend what they’ve won, and that’s why we made this show.”
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