Viggo Venn BGT win - booed by fans and cancelled TV appearances
Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn will take to the stage in the Royal Variety Performance this weekend – but his road to fame hasn’t been an easy one.
Despite being branded “the most stupid act we’ve had this year” by judge Simon Cowell, the 34-year-old Norwegian clown waltzed off with the £250,000 prize money and coveted spot to perform in front of William and Kate at the Royal Albert Hall.
Certainly one of the most unique acts to ever appear on the ITV talent show, Viggo won a standing ovation for his first performance which saw him dance along to the Daft Punk hit One More Time as he removed a seemingly never ending array of hi-vis vests.
The graduate from French clown school École Philippe Gaulier later had the judges in stitches in the semi-finals when he recorded them saying their names on a loop to Eminem’s Slim Shady.
He went on to beat magician Cillian O’Connor, 14, and 13-year-old acrobatic dancer Lilliana Clifton in the final, claiming the top prize. Despite winning BGT, fans didn’t seem happy. From being booed by the audience to cancelling TV appearances – and getting his ‘revenge’ on Simon Cowell, here’s what happened next...
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Booed by fans during final
Norwegian clown Viggo Venn divided fans with his hi-vis dancing (Dymond/Thames/REX/Shutterstock)Viggo was booed by some members of the live audience during the final. Controversially, inspirational dancer Musa Motha - whose leg was amputated when he was just 11 years old - failed to get a place in the top three, as did incredible opera singer Malakai Bayoh.
After the result was announced, some of the audience could be heard booing and viewers took to to give their thoughts. One even claimed: “By a stretch, that is the worst Britain's Got Talent result EVER. If that really is genuine, then the British voting public should be ashamed and embarrassed. Booing from the audience, and rightly so. Some real talent missed out there. Joke. #BGT2023 #BritainsGotTalent #BGT."
Some fans were so annoyed Viggo had won, they complained to regulator Ofcom despite it being a public vote. He later admitted he was "embarrassed" to win the show as he reacted to the booing controversy - but declared that it's "not his fault". He said: "I was kinda hoping I didn't win because it would be so embarrassing, but I was very happy when they said it the British public have such sense of ridiculous humour.”
Cancelled TV appearances
Viggo cancelled TV appearances after his BGT win (ITV)Days after winning Britain’s Got Talent, Viggo pulled out of a daytime TV appearance following the booing backlash. The comedian was expected to give his first interview since his frosty reception to bagging the £250,000 prize money on the Lorraine Kelly Show, but cancelled at the last minute.
Lorraine was forced to make her excuses for the performer when he declined to appear. Beforehand her official page tweeted: "SO excited to say @ViggoVenn is joining @reallorraine live for his first TV interview tomorrow morning."
But the Scottish presenter had to backtrack and confirmed Viggo was no longer able to make his scheduled appearance as he wasn't "feeling well". She told viewers: "Viggo was supposed to be joining me in the studio this morning but unfortunately he's not feeling too chipper, but hopefully we'll see him later on. "
She added that perhaps he "needs a wee rest" as he showcased a lot of energy during the final. Viggo managed to make an appearance on her show the next day instead.
'Revenge' on Simon Cowell
Viggo has said he plans to get his 'revenge' on BGT judge Simon Cowell (ITV)Ahead of his Royal Variety Performance, Viggo revealed he plans to take revenge on Simon Cowell after winning Britain’s Got Talent. Opening up about his scheme to make Simon squirm, he said: "I’m going to audition for BGT again next year, just to see Simon’s face 'One! More! Time!'
There has been backlash that Simon’s initial dislike of Viggo was 'staged'. However, Viggo claimed the show is not rigged, insisting the boss “really didn't like him”.
The comedian has now embarked on his first ever UK tour where he will bring his unique show to 20 venues across the nation. Taking to Instagram to announce it, he said: “I have been receiving thousands of videos on from young and old dancing around in hi vis vests and nothing makes me happier!"
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Teasing what is to come from his Royal Variety Performance this weekend, he told : "My goal for the Royal Variety Performance is to get King Charles in a hi-vis. I’ve already presented a hi-vis to the mayor of my hometown and the British ambassador, so I’m working my way up."
*The Royal Variety Performance will air on the BBC at 8pm on Sunday December 17
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