Britain’s Got Talent returned to the spotlight on May 2, 2026, with another high-energy live semi-final, but it wasn’t just the acts that had viewers buzzing — the judges’ comments stole some of the attention as well.
During magician Fabian Fox’s performance, the atmosphere turned awkward when judges Amanda Holden and KSI made under-the-breath remarks that didn’t sit well with fans at home. Fabian, who had carefully designed a trick that involved the judges, was trying to impress the panel by having them pick slips of paper with codes. However, when Fabian revealed his notepad with the results, things took a turn.
As the camera captured the moment, KSI, the 32-year-old rapper, muttered, “I mean, I don’t know what that is.” Amanda, 55, then added, “That’s very bad handwriting,” before proceeding with her own commentary. Both remarks were loud enough to be heard clearly by the audience at home, despite not being intended as stage whispers.
These comments quickly ignited backlash on social media, with viewers calling out the judges for being unnecessarily rude. “He’s got very bad handwriting,” one user posted, criticizing Amanda’s remark. Others followed suit, expressing their displeasure: “Amanda judging his handwriting?” “How rude,” and “Bit rude about his handwriting Amanda,” were just some of the criticisms that flooded Twitter.
The comments did not go unnoticed by viewers, who felt that the judges’ comments were overly harsh for a contestant who was only trying to impress them. One viewer pointed out, “I think the panel and the audience are rather rude to this lad.” Another added, “That comment about his handwriting was a little rude.” These remarks quickly became one of the evening’s most talked-about moments.
Despite the awkwardness, Fabian did manage to turn the situation around. By the end of his performance, Amanda Holden offered a more positive critique, praising the magic act and its potential. “All I keep thinking about is the Royal Variety Performance and how amazing it would be. That audition was amazing,” she said, leaving a slightly more positive impression after the earlier comments.
While the initial remarks caused a stir, it’s clear that Amanda’s support for the contestant wasn’t entirely absent, even if it was overshadowed by her earlier comments. This mix of harsh critique and eventual praise raised questions about the panel’s dynamics and whether the judges were too quick to criticize.
The moment also sparked a broader conversation about the responsibility of public figures, especially judges on such popular platforms, to remain constructive with their feedback. Fans expected more encouragement for an act that was still in the early stages of his career, as magic routines often require a great deal of practice and precision.
The backlash highlights the fine line judges must walk when providing feedback, especially when it’s on a live broadcast that reaches millions of viewers. While the judges’ role is to give their honest opinions, viewers expect that honesty to be tempered with respect and professionalism.
Despite this, Britain’s Got Talent continues to be a platform that fosters talent and ambition. Fabian’s act, while causing some tension in the studio, served as a reminder of the pressures performers face when seeking approval from such a critical audience.
Amanda Holden’s comments sparked one of the more controversial moments of the evening, but her later remarks show that even the harshest critiques are not without an eventual path to redemption — as long as the performance is memorable enough to earn it.
In the world of reality TV, moments like these often stir up debates, and this one is no exception. Amanda and KSI’s remarks may have been blunt, but the feedback from the audience suggests that many felt it crossed a line, especially in light of the significant emotional and mental strain that contestants already face.
