ITV Britain’s Got Talent hammered with 100 Ofcom complaints as ‘horrific’ act leaves contestant bleeding: 'Is he still alive?'

Lydia Davies
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:57:26 +0000

Britain's Got Talent has sparked outrage after the broadcasting regulator received 108 formal complaints about a contestant's disturbing performance on the ITV talent show.

Leroy Patterson's audition, which aired on Saturday, prompted viewers to contact Ofcom in significant numbers after they witnessed what many described as a "horrific" display.

The backlash centred on Mr Patterson's unconventional act, which saw him inflict visible injuries upon himself during the live broadcast.

The 42-year-old performer from Los Angeles began his routine by removing his clothing on stage, leaving judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI and stand-in panellist Stacey Solomon bewildered.

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The performer announced he would demonstrate three crucial safety tips, immediately hurling his exposed torso onto a collection of mousetraps that snapped onto his bare skin.

His second demonstration involved lowering himself onto carpet tack strips before positioning himself on a chair laden with hundreds of protruding sharp nails.

The act culminated with Mr Patterson activating weed strimmers and charging directly through the spinning garden tools, sustaining numerous lacerations across his body.

By the time he returned to centre stage to take his bow, the contestant was visibly bleeding and still had a mousetrap attached to him.

Presenters Ant and Dec visibly winced throughout the performance, with the audience gasping in shock at each escalating stunt.

Ms Solomon swiftly hit her red buzzer in an attempt to halt proceedings, though this failed to deter Mr Patterson from continuing his routine.

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As the bloodied performer made his way back across the stage, a concerned Ant looked directly at the camera and asked: "Is he still alive?"

Despite Ms Dixon and Ms Solomon both voting against him, KSI rallied the studio audience into a chant supporting the act.

The crowd's enthusiasm ultimately proved decisive, with Mr Patterson securing three yes votes from the panel and advancing to the next round of the competition.

Social media erupted with criticism following the broadcast, with viewers questioning the decision to air such content during prime time family viewing.

One outraged fan wrote: "Why in God green earth would they even broadcast that?!?!?" (sic).

Another complained it was unsuitable for elderly relatives or children watching on Saturday evening.

Several viewers accused the programme of showing self-harm, with one posting: "So we've just seen a man self-harm on #BritainsGotTalent and you are voting him in. This is all that's wrong with the world right now."

Others dismissed the performance entirely, with comments including: "He's bleeding, what the hell he took this too far, definitely not a talent."

"I bet OFCOM will hear about this," an angry viewer wrote.

Another furious fan declared: "That was one of the worst things I've ever seen on this show."

When judge KSI asked Patterson to describe his act, the performer himself acknowledged: "Stupidity."

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.