Reflections on the 3rd Semi Final

May 27, 2009

What a night!

Drama, suspense, tears, hilarity…it had everything you could possibly wish for from a TV show.

Which probably explains why the ratings have been soaring to over 15.4 million viewers - the highest figures on British television for six years.

I loved last night’s show even more than the first two semi-finals.

Sitting in Simon’s sumptuous dressing room (he’s suddenly moved to a different floor at Fountain Studios from Amanda and I, further evidence that he now thinks he’s Emperor Nero) before it started, we all agreed that the line-up was one of the weirdest we’ve ever had.

‘This could be a total disaster,’ sighed Simon.

‘Or brilliantly funny,’ I replied.

And the moment Kaye the human saxophone player began ‘playing’, Simon and I looked at each other and laughed, both thinking we were right!

I loved that act, because it was a) totally original b) incredibly funny and c) guaranteed to really annoy Mr Cowell.

But even he couldn’t come close to the brilliant Stavros Flatley for sheer comedic entertainment value.

The father-and-son duo are such lovely people. I met the dad backstage afterwards, and he was almost in tears of joy.

‘I’m so happy we made the final,’ he said.’ I don’t care what happens now, we’re there!’

They epitomise Britain’s Got Talent as far as I’m concerned.

They don’t care about their weight, looks, or image. They just want to have a laugh, and make everyone else laugh. And everyone I know loves them.

Can they win on Saturday? Well, it would be very amusing if they did.

I’d pay £1 million to see the Queen’s face when they run out in their Cypriot tunics at the Royal Variety Show.

But I think Shaheen has a better chance. That boy has got an unbelievably powerful voice for a 12-year-old. There were moments in his performance last night when he sounded exactly like a young Michael Jackson. With the right song, he could give Susan Boyle and the two brilliant dance groups a real run for their money.

But there are still two semi-finals left, and lots of potential winners like Hollie and Aidan to come yet.

This is now officially the biggest talent show on the planet, and whoever does eventually win is going to a global superstar.

Even Simon is slightly shocked by how successful this series has been.

‘It’s incredible!’ he said after last night’s show finished. ‘It’s like the whole world is watching. This is the show I love doing most of all.’