Amanda Holden, 54, has been branded "rude" by irked Britain's Got Talent fans for her comments towards dance duo, Harry and Lewis.
The best friends and BGT semi-finalists kicked off Saturday's third live show with an all-new dance routine in the hopes of making it to the grand finale and the chance to win a spot at this year's Royal Variety Performance.
After kicking off the show, the breathless pair joined Ant and Dec to hear what the judging panel of Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell, and Holden had to say, and it's safe to say they received a rather mixed reception.
As the crowd cheered them on, Tonioli said: "Well done, guys. I can really see that you worked very hard since the last time I saw you.
"The choreography was much improved. I loved all the sections with the intertwining, it was very, very clever. The off-balance and the stop. You worked very, very hard and did a very good job, you should be proud."
Dixon echoed Tonioli's praise: "Yeah, never easy being the first ones out, I'm sure you were super nervous, but what I actually liked was how relaxed you both came across in that performance.
ITV BGT: Amanda Holden didn't hold back with her criticism
ITV
"You were having a great time, which meant the audience was having a great time.
"When you do this kind of act, every single move has to be perfection because we're noticing those intricate details. I thought overall you did a really good job.
"I thought the screens and the production were stunning as well," Dixon concluded, which prompted Holden to then chip in with her verdict.
"Well, I'm not gonna be very popular," the 54-year-old began. "I am gonna say thank god for the production and everything else because I was quite disappointed with that."
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ITV BGT: Harry and Lewis were on the receiving end of Amanda's comments
ITV
As boos filled the auditorium, Holden stood firm as she continued: "I can see that you've worked hard and the choreography was very intricate and you'd worked hard on it, but I don't think it was enough. I just don't think that that was a step up from your first audition, so I'm really sorry."
Boos continued to ring out as Cowell chimed in: "I think personally, this was better than your first audition. You make what is actually hard look easy.
"I think you're skewered towards a young audience," he quipped, which earned him a perturbed look from Holden. "I mean, do you really want to win this? You don't say much, and I think sometimes you've got to tell the audience how much it means to me."
Ant and Dec then asked Harry and Lewis for their thoughts, to which the former replied: "Me and Lewis have been dancing all of our lives as a career. We went through a whole pandemic with it, managed to keep going with it, kept the passion for it.
ITV BGT: Amanda Holden conceded she wasn't going to be popular with her take
ITV
"I think in answer to your question, Simon, of course we wanna win it, we wouldn't be here if we didn't wanna win it, it's a dream that doesn't seem like it's possible, but I can't lie, I respect your comments, but that was amazing guys. That was worth every second of this journey."
While the dancing duo took Holden's criticism in their stride, some viewers at home weren't as understanding and took to social media to hit out at her and Cowell's remarks.
"Did Simon want them to make a speech about how much they'd like to win halfway through the performance?! What a bizarre comment to make. Amanda was just rude too. #BGT," one fan hit out.
"Is amanda ok Harry and Lewis was Amazing #BGT," a second asked before a third fumed: "Amanda was rude!! Also, when would they have had chance to talk? Half way through the dance? Feel sorry for the lads #BGT."
And the complaint continued over onn Instagram with one fan typing: "I didn't agree with what Amanda said at all.. You guys are amazing!"
However, Holden was on the receiving end of support from some viewers who agreed with her point of view.
"#BGT Agree with Amanda. Their first performance was miles better. They were disappointing tonight," one X user typed.
While a second agreed: "Didn’t think they were anywhere as good tonight than they were on their audition, which is sad because I was really looking forward to seeing them again. I don’t think they will progress to the final, but then it depends on the other acts. Well done Amanda for telling it like it is." (sic)
