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Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
ITV Britain's Got Talent fans say same thing as hosts announce judges' wildcard
ITV Britain's Got Talent fans say same thing as hosts announce judges' wildcard Britain's Got Talent viewers issued the same complaint minutes into Saturday's live final Britain's Got Talent viewers voiced the same grievance just moments into Saturday's (May 31) live final. The popular ITV talent show is drawing to a close tonight, with eleven acts vying for the title of series 18 champion. This year's finalists include gymnastics sensation Binita Chetry, Post Office choir Hear Our Voice, dance troupe Ping Pong Pang, and vocalists Vinnie McKee and Stacey Leadbeatter. They are joined by the judges' golden buzzer acts from the semi-finals, which include LED dance group The Blackouts, opera singer and drag queen Jasmine Rice, magician Harry Moulding, guitarist Olly Pearson and comedian Joseph Charm. At the start of the live final, presenters Ant and Dec announced that singing duo Han and Fran were the judges' wildcard, reports Belfast Live. The Britain's Got Talent final aired on Saturday (May 31) night "Han and Fran got the wildcard, which I'm very pleased about," Ant declared. "They got a massive vote from the public and therefore, they deserve the shot in the final. It's as simple as that, I'm happy for them," head judge, Simon Cowell, then clarified. The best friends from Wales were the first to perform, delivering a medley of ABBA classics, including Take A Chance On Me, Does Your Mother Know and Mamma Mia. Han and Fran were accompanied by a host of dancers, who were donned in glittering silver jumpsuits. Following the performance, Bruno Tonioli enthused: "Wow! That's how you get the party started. Amazing performances, your voices are actually fantastic. Your harmonies were divine." Alesha Dixon congratulated the duo, saying: "I'm so thrilled for you that you got the wildcard. So many people voted for you, so you deserve to be on that stage tonight. Well done ladies." Han and Fran were the judges' wildcard However, the decision sparked a heated reaction on X (formerly Twitter), with many viewers expressing their discontent at the judges' choice of wildcard. "Han & Fran is the wildcard?! I loved them but surely there was better acts to bring to the final," one person wrote, with another adding: "Han and Fran are the wildcard? That is the most ridiculous decision ever." "I'm kinda happy Han & Fran got the wildcard I quite liked them. But I do agree that there were better acts who deserved it over them. #BGT," a third said, with another similarly sharing: "Han and Fran got the wildcard! Really #BGT." Meanwhile, other viewers shared their excitement at Han and Fran returning to the show, with one person writing: "I'M SO HAPPY HAN AND FRAN ARE BACK!!!!!!!! #BGT!" Another said: "My inner ABBA child is shrieking. Fabulous," with a third adding: "I love them!" while another added: "I adore you, Han and Fran! The PERFECT Wildcard #BritainsGotTalent #BGT @BGT." Article continues below Britain's Got Talent is available to stream on ITVX
Irish Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mamma Mia! Can We Go Again?
Since it first came out, Mamma Mia! has been one of those movies that I could watch again and again (and again). And so when I was invited to experience Mamma Mia! The Party in London, it was an immediate yes — and it was a Super Trouper of a day out. Mamma Mia! The Party is located at the O2 at Greenwich, making it easy to get to whether you're heading there by tube, car, train or bus — and with hotels nearby, it's the perfect activity whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend away. The performances run from Wednesday to Sunday, with the evening shows beginning at 6.30pm — and there's also matinée shows available on Saturday and Sunday, with the lights going low at 12pm for the earlier shows. Since Mamma Mia! The Party first opened in London in the summer of 2019, they have welcomed more than 500,000 guests across over 1,000 performances — and it's easy to see why audiences are so captivated by the theatrical dining experience. From the moment we stepped through the doors, it was like being transported to the island of Skopelos, where the first Mamma Mia! movie was filmed. As we walked along the corridor to get to the main venue, the walls were decorated with nods to the film — complete with 'snaps' of the cast of the film posing alongside the stars of Mamma Mia! The Party — and signs welcoming guests to the island, the 'home of the Mamma Mia! Movie'. The main part of the venue is decorated with colourful flowers, rustic tables and even twinkling lights strung overhead. And even the temperature played a part in setting the stage, with the thermostat set at a level to make you feel as if you were really at a taverna. There's a souvenir stand if you're looking to pick up a keepsake from your time in Skopelos, like a programme or a keyring — or, in the case of the colourful boas and light up flower crowns, an extra accessory or two to add to your outfit. After picking up our welcome drink, we had a chance to soak up the atmosphere before being shown to our seats — which were located right by the fountain, in the heart of the venue. It put us right in the middle of the theatrical dining experience, while also being a fantastic view for catching some of the mid-song surprises that, at times, take the show to new heights. Sometimes quite literally. There are three different kinds of tickets — Tier A, Tier B and Tier C — and, with the way the story unfolds throughout the venue and amongst the audience, each seat has a unique view. Created by ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! The Party is based on a heartfelt new story adapted by Sandi Toksvig. It brings audiences into Niko's Taverna on the island of Skopelos, where we meet Nikos, and his wife Kate; her nephew Adam; Nikos' daughter Konstantina; and chef Debbie, as they navigate day-to-day life in the taverna. And, of course, it is packed to the brim with ABBA hits. More than 30 songs are performed throughout the show, with everything from SOS to Does Your Mother Know; When I Kissed the Teacher to Waterloo. From the opening notes of the first song, the performers — from the cast to the dancers to the band — had everyone in the venue completely hooked. It didn't take long before they had everyone in the crowd singing along, or even on their feet for a bit of dancing in the aisles. Or, in the case of Waterloo, a whole lot of it. As the show went on, we were served a four-course meal — which began with a Greek sharing mezze with breads, dips and olives that was delivered soon after we sat down. That was followed by a Greek sharing salad — with fresh heritage tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, onions and topped with basil leaves and olive oil — and some delicious spanakopita. That was followed by braised lamb stifado and slow-cooked beef, which was served with garlic roasted baby potatoes, vegetable and tomato briam and red wine jus. Each of the savoury dishes were served sharing-style, with every platter packed with flavour. The lamb and beef were cooked perfectly — and the main course was a firm favourite with everyone at the table. And, to top it all off, dessert was a delicious lemon cake with Greek yogurt, apricot compote, orange caramel and confit orange skin — and, later on, a bit of baklava with a tea or coffee. There is also a menu option for vegans and vegetarians, as well as a gluten and lactose-free menu. And the cocktail list includes a number of themed drinks — both with alcohol and non-alcoholic versions — that can be ordered separately. And for anyone who is saying Gimme, Gimme, Gimme more music, the taverna turns into a dance floor — complete with a concert-style performance — after dessert, and guests are encouraged to get up to sing, dance and enjoy the disco vibes. All in all, if you're looking for something that will have you dancing, jiving and having the time of your life, there's no better place than Mamma Mia! The Party. Mamma Mia! 2025 special offer (June-December) with Keith Prowse Attractions: Overnight special from €327pps includes one night at the 4* DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich with breakfast and a Tier A ticket (Tier A guests will be seated on the ground floor — Courtyard — the North and South terraces, the West terrace — upper and lower levels — or on high level tables in the beach bar area) to a Thursday show. See for more offers.
