BGT bosses fear virtual audience will hijack show with drunken, naked antics

Britain’s Got Talent bosses are said to be terrified that the virtual audience broadcast behind the show judges could become drunk and offensive during filming.

The 2020 season of BGT has been forced to get inventive in their inclusion of a live studio audience as the coronavirus pandemic made having guests in a studio an impossibility.

The show instead features live streams of fans watching from their own living rooms – with footage beamed on giant screens behind judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Ashley Banjo and David Walliams.

However, show bosses have banned all those taking part from drinking alcohol in their own homes out of fear some might become intoxicated and misbehave in front of the viewing nation.

A show source says producers are laying down the law for those taking part.

They told The Sun: “The bosses want to minimise the risk of anyone having too many drinks and doing something naughty on national TV.

“Another rule is that they can only be seen on screen from the waist up.”

While The Sun also claimed participants will be warned “not to indulge in offensive behaviour”.

The live studio audience have been known to misbehave even in the best times of BGT history – with one unruly live guest invading the stage to tap the judges buzzers during a live episode in 2018.

While in 2013, chaos erupted when a member of the audience started hurling eggs at Simon Cowell during a live episode.

While show bosses may be worried about the home audience flashing in the background, the series is usually best known for Amanda Holden risking showing more than she might expect.

The judge has sparked Ofcom complaints in the past due to her risqué costume choices over the years.

One of the star’s dress choices in last years’ series sparked furious complaints from viewers who found the low cut number “too sexy” and “shocking” for a “family show”.

While the star also fuelled anger when she wore another dress that gave the illusion she was naked down one side of her body – with her breast only being covered by some delicate stitching in the shape of a spider web.