London — The first semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent 2025 screeched to a halt on April 16 when an eight-year-old magician, Teddy, backed out of his performance live on ITV. The young performer, billed as Teddy Magic, had charmed audiences with his sleight-of-hand in earlier rounds. But under the glare of the studio lights, nerves got the better of him, leaving producers scrambling and viewers stunned.
The night was already off-kilter. Technical glitches plagued the broadcast, with sound cutting out during acts and lighting cues missing their mark. Teddy, dressed in a pint-sized tuxedo, stepped onto the stage to perform a card trick routine. He’d barely begun when he froze, eyes darting to the audience. Seconds later, he shook his head, whispered something to host Ant McPartlin, and bolted offstage. McPartlin, visibly caught off-guard, told the crowd Teddy was “feeling a bit overwhelmed” and wouldn’t continue. The show cut to an unscheduled break.
ITV later confirmed Teddy’s withdrawal was due to anxiety and emphasized his well-being was the priority. The network’s statement noted he was supported by family and a child welfare team backstage. No replacement act was slotted in, and the semi-final pressed on with seven contestants instead of eight. The remaining performers, including a dance troupe and a comedian, faced their own hiccups as the tech issues persisted.
The episode sparked debate over the show’s handling of young talent. Britain’s Got Talent rules allow contestants as young as seven, provided they pass psychological evaluations and have parental consent. Teddy, who turned eight in March, had cleared those hurdles. Still, the sight of a child unraveling on live TV hit a nerve with viewers. Some questioned whether the pressure of a semi-final, with its audience of millions, was too much for someone so young.
Adding fuel to the fire, the show’s new format drew flak. For 2025, producers introduced a golden buzzer in the live semi-finals, letting judges fast-track acts to the final. The move, meant to spice up the competition, meant public votes carried less weight, and Teddy’s exit left one fewer act for viewers to choose from. The semi-final’s results saw a singer and a dog act advance, but the night’s chaos overshadowed their wins.
Teddy, from Bristol, had been a fan favorite after his audition aired in February. His trick—making a coin vanish under a judge’s nose—earned a standing ovation. He was the youngest semi-finalist this season. ITV declined to comment on whether he’d return for future episodes. The show’s next semi-final aired on April 23, with no reported disruptions.
Britain’s Got Talent, now in its 18th series, is produced by Thames and Syco Entertainment. The 2025 season runs through May, with the final set for June 1.