In a surprising twist on Britain's Got Talent, professional pickpocket Lee Thompson from Birmingham left the judging panel utterly gobsmacked not with his dexterous skills, but with an unexpected age revelation. The incident unfolded during the episode aired on April 18, 2026, captivating both the studio audience and viewers at home.
A Stunning Admission on Stage
Within moments of stepping onto the stage, Lee Thompson had judge Amanda Holden open-mouthed in disbelief. As he walked out, Amanda complimented him, saying, "You look very dapper." Lee quickly retorted, "Oh! Do I look my age?" prompting Amanda to inquire, "I don't know, how old are you babes?"
Lee's response, "I'm touching 60," left Amanda visibly stunned, as she shot back with, "You're not! Are you?" in sheer astonishment. Simon Cowell, equally impressed, chimed in with, "You look good," adding to the dramatic moment that set the tone for his performance.
Masterful Pickpocketing Routine
Following the age reveal, Lee Thompson proceeded to dazzle the panel with his slick pickpocketing act. He repeatedly lifted items such as phones, glasses, and room keys from hosts Ant and Dec without them having the faintest idea. In a pre-recorded segment, he was shown posing as a security guard and secretly planting wristwatches in the bags and pockets of audience members.
Remarkably, Lee even managed to pull one over on the judging panel backstage, including Simon Cowell, showcasing his expertise. Amanda Holden was so impressed that she dubbed him the "modern-day Artful Dodger," highlighting his nimble fingers and clever techniques.
Professional Background and Viewer Reactions
Lee Thompson's skills are not just for show; he was employed as a Pickpocket Consultant on Guy Ritchie's Young Sherlock series on Prime Video. This series follows a young Sherlock Holmes as he tries his hand at pickpocketing, inspired by the story of Oliver Twist, adding a layer of authenticity to Lee's performance.
Viewers at home were equally taken with his act. One fan wrote, "This is genuinely amazing. Even if he might be incriminating himself." Another enthused, "That was clever, funny and amazing....good job." Despite the positive reception, Lee breezed through to the next round with four yes votes from the judges but missed out on the coveted Golden Buzzer.
Golden Buzzer Controversy
The episode also sparked controversy when KSI awarded his Golden Buzzer to a contentious act. Comedy performer Mr Cherry, aged 44, kicked off his routine by opening a jar of pickles before uncorking wine bottles with his buttocks. KSI declared, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I don't know about you but that was the greatest thing I have ever seen."
However, disgruntled viewers swiftly branded this choice the "worst Golden Buzzer" act ever put through on the programme, leading to outrage among fans who felt Lee Thompson or other acts were more deserving of the direct pass to the live final.
Broadcast Details
Britain's Got Talent continues to air on Saturday nights from 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX. All episodes are available for streaming on ITVX after broadcast, allowing fans to catch up on the latest performances and judge reactions.
