Britain's Got Talent is facing an uncertain future after ratings plummeted to an 'all-time low', with the latest series launch attracting just 3 million viewers – a significant drop from the 10 million who tuned in during its heyday.
The ITV talent show's second episode on Saturday saw a further decline of 100,000 viewers, despite a Golden Buzzer moment from KSI for 16-year-old musical magician Rafferty Coope. The programme was beaten in the ratings by BBC's Michael McIntyre's Big Show, which secured 3.5 million viewers, while Gladiators also pulled in 3 million.
Bookmakers have slashed odds on the show being axed after the current series, with Ladbrokes offering odds of just 2/1. Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes commented: 'Gone are the days when Britain's Got Talent was raking in mammoth viewing figures. As the numbers fall, so do the odds, and we are now questioning the show's future.'
During Saturday's instalment, viewers were moved to tears as KSI jumped onto the judges' table and pressed the Golden Buzzer for Rafferty Coope, whose performance combined magic and music. The routine featured a card trick and a piano rendition of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'', leaving judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon astounded.
Rafferty was sent straight through to the live finals, but the emotional highlight did little to halt the ratings slide. ITV has yet to comment on the show's future.
