In a show first, all the Britain’s Got Talent judges are left completely speechless by a naked comedian in Saturday’s upcoming episode.
In a teaser clip for the iconic series which returns for 2025, Japanese performer Akira stands at the front of the stage – using just a tray to protect his modesty – as the judges and audience watch in shock at the daring routine.
The act, which Akira has been perfecting for over a decade, sees him pull off a series of tricks while keeping himself covered.
Simon Cowell, 63, Amanda Holden, 53, Alesha Dixon, 46, and Bruno Tonioli, 69, all watch open-mouthed as he shows them Blackpool Tower before flipping his tray to reveal an image of the famous landmark.
He then ties a toy car to a ball covering his privates and moves it along without exposing himself.
Watching from the wings, Ant McPartlin shouts: ‘He was so close!’
In a show first, all the Britain’s Got Talent judges are left completely speechless by a naked comedian in Saturday’s upcoming episode
The iconic ITV compeтιтion show returns to screens on Saturday, and will see the judges in shock as Japanese performer Akira stands at the front of the stage – using just a tray to protect his modesty
Akira has defended his act in the past, previously telling The Japan Times: ‘I understand some people think a naked guy on stage is inappropriate, but those who watch the full act realise it’s not dirty – it’s just comedy.’
It’s not the only audition for the new series thought to raise eyebrows.
In an attempt to impress the A-list judges, a performer puts a corkscrew and meat hook through their head and nose, and out of their mouth.
The scene is expected to spark complaints from some viewers and is so dangerous that a warning will be put out so viewers do not try the stunt at home.
Simon said of the act: ‘It’s spooky horror where you don’t want to watch it, but you do want to watch it. That’s obviously why we’re going to show it. We probably will get some complaints. Hopefully!’
He added: ‘I love it when they say ‘don’t try this at home’ like we’ve all got screws and things just waiting to do that!’
Other judges praised the performance too, with Alesha calling it ‘entertaining’ and ‘funny’.
Guest judge, singer, boxer and YouTuber, KSI described the act as ‘fantastic’ but admitted he was relieved he wasn’t there to see it in person.
The act, which Akria has been perfecting for over a decade, sees him pull off a series of tricks while keeping himself covered
Simon Cowell , 63, Amanda Holden , 53, Alesha Dixon , 46, and Bruno Tonioli , 69, all watch open-mouthed as he shows them Blackpool Tower before flipping his tray to reveal an image of the famous landmark
In the past Akira has defended his act previously telling The Japan Times: ‘I understand some people think a naked guy on stage is inappropriate, but those who watch the full act realise it’s not dirty – it’s just comedy.’
As Akria walked on stage Ant joked that he wasn’t expecting what he saw and then watching from the wings, he shouted: ‘He was so close!’
Simon insisted that the shocking performance is still suitable for children to watch and will air before the 9pm watershed.
ITV previously released the first trailer ahead of the new series and bosses revealed that the much loved variety talent show will be back at the end of the month and offered fans a glimpse of what is to come.
The brand-new promo clip, featured presenters Ant and Dec, as well as the new judging panel.
But the judging lineup is not the only change that has taken place to this year’s show as the short video opens with a clip of Blackpool Tower, which is where ‘a large chunk’ of the auditions have been held, rather than the traditional London.
This series will also run for double the amount of time, making it the longest series ever, in a huge shake-up to its normal scheduling.
As the video starts, Dec’s voice can be heard saying: ‘Please take your seats, the show is about to start’ before the judges walk their way down through the excited audience, high fiveing and whooping.
While head judge Simon appears very cool and collected wearing a pair of orange tinted glᴀsses and throwing a peace sign to the crowd, Bruno seems the total opposite as he is seen running down the stairs, very excited.
Amanda and Alesha promise to continue to bring the glam, as the promo video sees them both dressed to impress in very stylish getups, complete with a full face of makeup.
Britain’s Got Talent is braced for complaints over stomach-churning scenes set to air in the new series
In an attempt to impress the A-list judges, a performer puts a corkscrew and meat hook through their head and nose, and out of their mouth
The scene is expected to cause OFCOM complaints from some viewers and is so dangerous that a warning will be put out to not try it at home
Amanda tells the contestants ‘you have two minutes to change your life’ before a montage of iconic auditions are shown.
Viewers can expect to see some ‘eye-popping’ auditions including dancers, gymnasts, musicians, circus style acts, plus a whole lot more.
The hopeful contestants will all battle it out for their place to perform in front of His Majesty at the Royal Variety Show.
Also returning this year is the golden buzzer. Whilst the video doesn’t show viewers who they press for, it does show you Simon and Dec both give an act the opportunity to go straight through to the semi finals.
Britain’s Got Talent airs every Saturday night from 22nd February on ITV1.