Eight-year-old magician Teddy, affectionately known as "Teddy Magic," has officially withdrawn from Britain’s Got Talent following his unexplained absence during a live semi-final.
Teddy, who had become a fan favorite due to his charming performances, sent the ITV competition into brief disarray when his video segment aired, but he failed to appear on stage. During Saturday's semi-final, presenters Ant and Dec were forced to improvise by speaking with judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli to fill the unexpected gap. They later reassured viewers that Teddy would perform later in the series. However, the young contestant did not return for a second scheduled performance, leaving many fans concerned and confused.
A Britain’s Got Talent spokesperson confirmed to The Sun that Teddy has officially left the competition, saying: “After discussions with Teddy’s parents and the production team, it has been jointly agreed that Teddy won’t perform in this year’s semi-finals, but BGT hopes to see Teddy again in a future series.”
His family expressed gratitude to fans, stating, “We want to thank everyone who has supported Teddy and cheered him on – he continues to fill our world with magic.”
Teddy’s sudden departure has reignited a debate among viewers about whether very young children should be exposed to the pressures of primetime television. Social media users speculated that stage fright may have been a factor, with many calling for an age limit for contestants. Some criticized the show for placing such pressure on a child, while others questioned the responsibility of the parents.
Unlike many talent competitions, Britain’s Got Talent does not have a minimum age requirement. However, participants under 18 must have parental consent and be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Meanwhile, the show continued with Vinnie McKee, Simon Cowell’s act, winning the semi-final and securing a spot in the grand finale. Alesha Dixon’s act Linda Mudzenda came in second, and magician Eden Choi placed third.
Britain’s Got Talent continues to air on ITV1 and ITVX.
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